giant cell arteritis
Also written as: GCA — Giant Cell Arteritis
Large-vessel vasculitis affecting cranial arteries in elderly patients, with risk of permanent vision loss.
Full Definition
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary systemic vasculitis in adults over 50 years of age, affecting medium and large arteries with predilection for cranial vessels, particularly branches of the external carotid artery. The condition is characterized histologically by granulomatous inflammation with multinucleated giant cells. Clinical manifestations may include headache, jaw claudication, scalp tenderness, and constitutional symptoms. The most feared complication is anterior ischemic optic neuropathy leading to permanent vision loss. Temporal artery biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis, though treatment with high-dose corticosteroids should not be delayed pending biopsy results.
Usage
Usage note: Formerly called 'temporal arteritis,' though GCA is preferred as it can affect arteries beyond the temporal vessels.
In Context
- "The patient's jaw claudication and elevated ESR suggested giant cell arteritis." — Clinical assessment
- "Temporal artery biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis." — Pathology report