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Giant cell (temporal - cranial) arteritis |
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| Definition: | A disorder involving inflammation and damage to blood vessels, particularly the large or medium arteries that branch from the external carotid artery of the neck.
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: | Giant cell, cranial, or temporal arteritis occurs when there is inflammation and necrosis (death of the tissues) of one or more arteries. It most commonly occurs in the head, especially the temporal arteries that branch from the carotid artery of the neck. However, it can be systemic, affecting multiple medium to large sized arteries anywhere in the body.
The cause is unknown but is assumed to be, at least in part, an effect of the immune response. The disorder has been associated with severe infections, high doses of antibiotics, and chronic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The symptoms occur because of inflammation.
The disorder may exist independently or may coexist with or follow polymyalgia rheumatica (a disorder characterized by abrupt development of pain and stiffness in the pelvis and shoulder muscles). About 25% of people with giant cell arteritis also experience polymyalgia rheumatica.
Giant cell arteritis affects approximately 25 out of 100,000 women and 9 out of 100,000 men. It is seen most often in those over 50 years old, but has been documented in people less than 40. years old. It is rare in people of African descent. There is some evidence for a familial pattern of developing the disorder.
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Review Date: 11/29/2001
Reviewed By: Birgit Kovacs, M.D., Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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