Giant cell arteritis.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) or temporal arteritis is the most frequent systemic vasculitis in our area, and its incidence may be on the increase in the last years. GCA involves large and medium-sized vessels, with preference to the extracranial arteries, and it affects persons older than 50 years. The aetiopathogenesis is unknown, although several infectious agents may be implicated. A normal temporal artery biopsy do not exclude a GCA since the lesions may be skip. The most feared complications of GCA are permanent visual loss, ischemic strokes and thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The treatment consists of high-dose corticoids, and nowadays there is no effective therapeutic alternative without important adverse effects. The mortality of treated patients with GCA does not seem to be increased, probably due to a correct diagnosis and management of this entity.