Abstract

“Subclavian steal” refers to a phenomenon of flow reversal in a branch of the subclavian artery that is the result of an ipsilateral hemodynamically significant lesion of the proximal subclavian artery. Patients with subclavian stenosis do not require specific therapy as most oftenly they are asysmptomatic. “Subclavian steal syndrome” can become manifest in some patients with symptoms of arterial insufficiency affecting the brain, the upper extremity, or even the heart if part of the coronary circulation is supplied via an IMA graft. Digital infarction occur secondary to various systemic diseases like diabetes, thrombophilic states, vascular embolism, and medium or small vessel vasculitis or infections.

Digital gangrene as an initial presentation in Takayasu’s areterities is very rare. According to our knowledge, this is the unique and the first case of subclavian steal syndrome secondary to takayasu arteritis leading to digital infarcts and was successfully treated with angioplasty to the subclavian artery.