Giant cell arteritis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a common form of vasculitis in people aged 50 years or older. The extracranial branches of the carotid artery are usually affected.

Irreversible blindness is the most common serious consequence. Aortic aneurysms and large vessel stenoses may occur as a long-term complication.

Temporal artery biopsy is the definitive test to establish diagnosis.

Patients with jaw claudication, diplopia, and an abnormal temporal artery on examination are more likely to have a temporal artery biopsy that is positive for GCA. GCA is unlikely if levels of inflammatory markers are normal.

Prednisone is highly effective therapy. Treatment should not be delayed while awaiting biopsy.

Tocilizumab is a novel biologic with therapeutic and corticosteroid-sparing benefit in the treatment of GCA.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous vasculitis of large and medium-sized arteries. It primarily affects branches of the external carotid artery, and it is the most common form of systemic vasculitis in adults. GCA typically occurs in people 50 years of age or older and is more common in women. Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica are frequently present. The most common serious consequence of GCA is irreversible loss of vision due to optic nerve ischemia. GCA is sometimes also referred to as temporal arteritis, cranial arteritis, or granulomatous arteritis.