Giant-cell arteritis
Other namesTemporal arteritis, cranial arteritis, Horton disease, senile arteritis, granulomatous arteritis
The arteries of the face and scalp.
SpecialtyRheumatology, emergency medicine
SymptomsHeadache, pain over the temples, flu-like symptoms, double vision, difficulty opening the mouth
ComplicationsBlindness, aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm, polymyalgia rheumatica
Usual onsetAge greater than 50
CausesInflammation of the small blood vessels within the walls of larger arteries
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms and blood tests, confirmed by biopsy of the temporal artery
Differential diagnosisTakayasu arteritis, stroke, primary amyloidosis
TreatmentSteroids, bisphosphonates, proton pump inhibitor
PrognosisLife expectancy (typically normal)
Frequency~ 1 in 15,000 people a year (> 50 years old)