Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) or temporal arteritis is a systemic vasculitis which involves large and medium-sized vessels, especially the extracranial branches of the carotid artery, usually in persons older than 50 years. Feared complications of GCA are permanent visual loss, ischaemic strokes and thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The treatment consists of high-dose steroids. Mortality in patients with GCA seems to be similar to that of controls, probably due to a correct diagnosis and management. GCA is the most common systemic vasculitis in Western countries. The incidence rates described in European countries are around 20:100 000 persons older than 50 years. *Author: Dr JM Calvo-Romero (June 2003)*.
