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01-12-2010

Giant Cell Arteritis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Authors: Miguel A. Gonzalez-Gay, Cristina Martinez-Dubois, Mario Agudo, Orlando Pompei, Ricardo Blanco, Javier Llorca

Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports | Issue 6/2010

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also called temporal arteritis, is a vasculitis that affects large and middle-sized blood vessels—with predisposition to the involvement of cranial arteries derived from the carotid artery—in individuals older than 50 years of age. Familial aggregation of GCA has been observed. Incidence of GCA is higher in white individuals than those of other ethnicities, particularly those of Scandinavian background. A temporal artery biopsy is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of GCA. Several imaging modalities, in particular ultrasonography, are useful in the diagnosis of GCA. Corticosteroids are the cornerstone of treatment in GCA. Alternative, steroid-sparing drugs, particularly methotrexate, should be considered in GCA patients with severe corticosteroid-related side effects and/or in those who require prolonged corticosteroid therapy due to relapses of the disease.

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27.

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Title: Giant Cell Arteritis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Miguel A. Gonzalez-Gay
Cristina Martinez-Dubois
Mario Agudo
Orlando Pompei
Ricardo Blanco
Javier Llorca
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: Current Science Inc.
Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports / Issue 6/2010
Print ISSN: 1523-3774
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6307
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-010-0135-9

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