Extracranial Giant Cell Arteritis - A Distinctive Subtype

Conn Med. 2016 Oct;80(9):553-557.

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic vasculitis, characterized by inflammation of large- and medium-sized arteries, primarily affecting the external carotid artery and its branches, especially the superficial temporal artery. We describe a series of three cases of "extracranial GCA" involving the aorta and its branches in the absence of classical cranial arteritis symptoms at the onset. Because of the paucity of disease-specific manifestations and its variability, extracranial GCA can be an overlooked clinical entity. Our clinical series illustrates that early recognition can be challenging but critical in preventing potentially devastating complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aortic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Computed Tomography Angiography
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / etiology