Management guidelines and outcome measures in giant cell arteritis (GCA)

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a common form of vasculitis that predominantly affects the elderly. Cranial symptoms and elevated inflammatory markers are suggestive of the condition and the diagnosis is usually established by temporal artery biopsy. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for GCA and prolonged therapy is often necessary. Disease relapses and steroid-related adverse effects, however, are common. Serious complications of the disease may include visual loss, stroke, and aortic involvement with aneurysm formation.