Musculoskeletal ImagingGiant cell arteritis
a form of
vascular inflammation or
vasculitis involving the large arteries, which show granulomatous
inflammation. This disorder is also known as
temporal arteritis. Histologic examination reveals necrosis of the arterial wall and a granulomatous reaction involving giant cells. Clinical findings include painful swelling of the
temporal arteries, headaches, visual disturbances and peripheral neuropathy. Characteristic findings are obtained on
temporal artery biopsy or angiogram. An association has been suggested between giant cell arteritis and
polymyalgia rheumatica. Approximately 50% of patients with giant cell arteritis demonstrate a prodromal phase with features of polymyalgia rheumatica, and approximately 30% of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica reveal symptoms and signs of giant cell arteritis.
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