Giant Cell Arteritis.

"Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic, idiopathic, granulomatous vasculitis of medium and large arteries comprising overlapping phenotypes of cranial arteritis and extracranial GCA. Vascular complications are generally due to delay in diagnosis and initiation of effective treatment. Advancements in MRI and MR angiography, computed tomography angiography, 18fluoro-deoxyglucose/PET, and color duplex ultrasonography have led to improved diagnosis. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy in GCA; however, their use is associated with predictable and occasionally serious side effects. Biological agents are effective and safe corticosteroid-sparing agents in treating GCA. This article reviews the epidemiologic, clinicopathologic features, diagnosis, and treatment of GCA."