We report on a 29-year-old male patient with collapse and recurrent vertigo. Physical examination showed a bruit of the left common carotid artery on auscultation and a pulselessness of both arms. The diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis was based on the results of duplex sonography, MRI and angiography (stenosis and occlusion of extracranial arteries). Laboratory results did not reveal any specific changes. Combined treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine was initiated. After 12 days we saw an improvement of duplexsonographical and laboratory findings. Takayasu's disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with stenosis and occlusions of the aortic arch and its main branches (e.g. pulselessness). MRI is a valuable method in detection of wall abnormalities of the aorta, its branches and other large arteries.