title: Giant cell arteritis: epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.
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.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Division, Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Avenida de Valdecilla s/n, 39008, IFIMAV, Santander, Cantabria, Spain. miguelaggay@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gonzalez-Gay
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martinez-Dubois
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Agudo
authors.forename: Orlando
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Pompei
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Blanco
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Llorca
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008727:Methotrexate