Giant cell arteritis: not just a stroke in the eye

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis is a large vessel vasculitis with predilection for the cranial arteries. However, as illustrated by two case reports in this month's issue (p. 650 and 651), involvement of large vessels, such as the aorta, is increasingly recognized. It is the commonest systemic vasculitis of the elderly, almost exclusively seen in those of over 50 years of age. There is a female preponderance and geographical variation in prevalence, with higher frequency in Caucasians than in other ethnicities. The incidence in the UK is 2.2/10 000 person-years.