Giant Cell Arteritis

Abstract

This review summarizes the diagnosis, clinical manifestations and management of giant cell arteritis. Giant cell arteritis is an immune-mediated vasculitis of medium to large sized arteries that affects individuals older than the age of 50. Patients typically present with signs of vascular insufficiency of the extracranial arteries of the head and systemic inflammation. Temporal artery biopsy remains the hallmark of diagnosis. Specific treatment regimens must be tailored to each individual, but steroids remain the backbone of therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• giant cell arteritis
• vasculitis
• temporal arteritis
• polymyalgia rheumatica