Obliterative Brachiocephalic Arteritis

Although a newcomer to American medical literature, this strange vascular disease of young adult women has been recognized abroad for many years. The etiology is obscure, but the pathologic findings are fairly well documented and the clinical picture is unusually consistent. An obliterative arteritis of the branches of the aortic arch results in severe ocular and cerebral damage. The disease process is relentlessly progressive and the prognosis for sight and life is poor. The present case was treated with corticosteroids and anticoagulants with apparent benefit. This disease should be considered when cataracts are encountered in young people and when arterial pressures and pulses in the upper extremities are absent.