Giant cell arteritis: epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.
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.
Gonzalez-Gay
Miguel A
MA
Rheumatology Division, Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Avenida de Valdecilla s/n, 39008, IFIMAV, Santander, Cantabria, Spain. miguelaggay@hotmail.com
Martinez-Dubois
Cristina
C
Agudo
Mario
M
Pompei
Orlando
O
Blanco
Ricardo
R
Llorca
Javier
J
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
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008727:Methotrexate