Giant Cell Arteritis: Oral Versus Intravenous Corticosteroids

Abstract

This review summarizes the current literature on the use of oral versus intravenous steroids for 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 fifty. Patients typically present with signs of vascular insufficiency of the extracranial arteries of the head and systemic inflammation. Steroids remain the backbone of therapy, but the dose, maintenance and route of administration remain debatable.

Keywords:

• Giant cell arteritis
• vasculitis
• temporal arteritis
• polymyalgia rheumatica
• corticosteroids