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Postgrad Med J 2003;79:511-515 doi:10.1136/pmj.79.935.511
  • Review

Giant cell arteritis

  1. J M Calvo-Romero
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr José María Calvo-Romero, Internal Medicine, Hospital de Zafra, Antigua Ctra Nacional 432, 06300 Zafra (Badajoz), Spain; 
 jmcromero{at}eresmas.com
  • Received 11 April 2003
  • Accepted 17 May 2003

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), temporal arteritis or Horton’s arteritis, is a systemic vasculitis which involves large and medium sized vessels, especially the extracranial branches of the carotid arteries, in persons usually older than 50 years. Permanent visual loss, ischaemic strokes, and thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms are feared complications of GCA. The treatment consists of high dose steroids. Mortality, with a correct treatment, in patients with GCA seems to be similar that of controls.

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