Giant Cell Arteritis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous vasculitis involving medium and large-size vessels occurring in adults and is almost exclusive to individuals above 50 years with an age-dependent pattern peaking at the age of 70–80. The pathophysiology of this distinct disease involves activation of local T-cells and macrophages leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and IFN-γ, resulting in the formation of giant cells, granulomata and subsequently damage to the arterial wall.