Giant Cell Arteritis - Issue 12 - The Lancet Rheumatology

Giant cell arteritis is a type of vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) characterised by inflammation of the arteries that mostly occurs in adults over the age of 50. It most commonly affects the arteries in the head and neck. What causes these arteries to become inflamed isn't known, but it is thought that the immune system attacks healthy blood vessels. There may also be a genetic component to the development of giant cell arteritis. The inflammation causes the arteries to become swollen and narrow, reducing the amount of blood that passes through them to the tissues. Symptoms vary between patients depending on where the arteries are inflamed and common symptoms include headaches and vision problems, aching and soreness around the temples, and jaw pain. If left untreated giant cell arteritis can cause serious complications such as blindness.