Giant cell arteritis

Giant cell arteritis is inflammation of large and medium-sized arteries. It primarily affects branches of the external carotid artery. It is the most common form of systemic vasculitis in adults. Giant cell arteritis typically occurs in women over 50 years old. The most common and severe complication of the disease is blindness due to inadequate blood flow to the optic nerve. Other possible complications include aortic aneurysm and narrowing of large blood vessels. Diagnosis is made by examining a biopsy of the temporal artery. Treatment involves prednisolone.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology