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Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory disease of blood vessels (most commonly large and medium arteries of the head). It a form of vasculitis.
The name (giant cell arteritis) reflects the type of inflammatory cell that is involved[1] (as seen on biopsy).
The terms “Giant cell arteritis” and “temporal arteritis” are sometimes used interchangeably, because of the frequent involvement of the temporal artery. However, it can involve other large vessels (such as the aorta in “giant cell aortitis”.[2]
The disorder may coexist (in one quarter of cases) with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), which is characterized by sudden onset of pain and stiffness in muscles (pelvis, shoulder) of the body and seen in the elderly. Other diseases related with temporal arteritis are systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and severe infections.
It is more common in females than males by a ratio of 3:1. The mean age of onset is about 70 years and is rare in those less then 50 years of age.
Patients present with:
The inflammation may affect blood supply to the eye and blurred vision or sudden blindness may occur. In 76% of cases involving the eye, the ophthalmic artery is involved causing anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.[4] Loss of vision in both eyes may occur very abruptly and this disease is therefore a medical emergency.
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