Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic disease of arteries. Clinical involvement of the aorta and its branches (large arteries) can occur.
Predictors of aortitis:
(1) hypertension
(2) polymyalgia rheumatica
(3) greater disease activity of the GCA
Manifestations may include:
(1) stricture in the thoracic aorta
(2) dissection of the aorta
(3) stenosis at the origin of a branch artery
(4) aortic arch syndrome
(5) aortic aneurysm
MRI and FDG-PET can detect sites of vasculitis and structural damage. Immunosuppressive therapy may affect the studies (Both, 2009).
Differential diagnosis:
(1) Takayasu's arteritis
(2) other causes of aortitis
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Immunology/Rheumatology, Cardiology, Neurology
