Takayasu's arteritis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of a section through the torso of a 16-year-old patient with Takayasu's arteritis, showing thickening of the wall of the ascending thoracic aorta and thrombosis causing total occlusion of the left subclavian artery. Takayasu's arteritis, or pulseless disease, is a rare, inflammatory disease of the aorta and its branches. Stenosis (narrowing) of the arteries in the arms can lead to an absence of a wrist pulse. This disease can result in aneurysms (weakenings of artery walls), which can be fatal in the aorta. The cause is unknown, but treatment involves corticosteroid drugs and surgery to repair any aneurysms.