PURPOSE: To evaluate the complications and results of long-term follow-up of percutaneous transluminalangioplasty(PTA) for the treatment of stenosis related to Takayasu arteritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 1985 and August 1997, 21 patients(two men, 19 women; age range, 10-48 years) with Takayasu arteritis underwent PTA. There were 37 instances of stenosis(in 20 renal arteries, 10 descending aortas, 3 subclavianarteries, 3 common carotid arteries, and 1 axillary artery). In order to detect restenosis, all patients were followed up angiographically and clinically ; the period of this ranged from 8 to 121(mean 47) months. One or two redilatations were performed for restenotic arteries, and the complications and results of long-term follow-up were determined. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of PTA in Takayasu arteritis, primary and secondary patency were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Among 37 stenotic vessels, 29 were sucessfully dialted and six partially so. Complications were aortic dissection(n=4) in aortic PTA, aortic dissection(n=1) inrenal PTA, intimal tears(n=6) in renal PTA, and hemorrhagic infart(n=1) in common carotid PTA. Restenosis occurred in 17 vessels(49%), and 12 vessels were restenosed within one year of PTA. Among 17 restenotic vessels, 14 were redilated with PTA, but after further PTA, five were restenosed. The Kaplan-Meier method showed primary patency of 62% one year after redilatation, and 46% five years after, while for secondary patency, the corresponding figures were 94% and 76%. CONCLUSION: In PTA of Takayasu arteritis, the possibility of restenosis is high, but redilatation can increase the patency rate. Intimal tearing, such as aortic dissection, may occur in PTA of Takayasu arteritis.