Follow-Up Observation of Aortitis Syndrome

Abstract

Follow-up observations have been made on 64 cases of aortitis syndrome for an average period of 6.6 years (3 months to 15 years). Thirteen cases died during the observation period. The survival rate at the end of the 10th observation year was estimated to be 62%. Main causes of death were congestive heart failure and cerebrovascular accident. The prognosis depended mainly upon the grade of hypertension. The daily life of patients was more or less limited in 49% but improved slightly in the course. Symptoms and signs of active inflammatory process have been improved by steroid hormones. In some cases, long-term treatment with a small dose of steroid hormone was required for several years. © 1972, International Heart Journal Association. All rights reserved.