Major Research Findings

Aortitis is inflammation of the aorta due to various causes. Clinical presentations vary as well as the imaging findings. Exact pathogenetic mechanisms or triggering factors, as well as the best diagnostic and monitoring modalities and treatment strategies, are yet to be elucidated. , , 1 , , 2 ,

Neuro-ophthalmic emergencies are medical conditions that affect the optic nerve, central visual pathway, and ocular motility, leading to vision loss, other significant morbidity, or mortality if not promptly treated. Giant cell arteritis is one of the emergent causes. , ,

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic disease that can affect the lungs. Diagnosis and treatment of GCA complicated by chronic lung diseases can be challenging.

Inflammation of unknown origin (IUO) is a challenging situation in internal medicine. ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT is helpful in diagnosing IUO. 6

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) can cause severe stenosis or occlusion of the arteries but rarely affects the intracranial arteries. 1

Vasculitic immune checkpoint inhibitor-related adverse events (irAEs) are rare, with limited data to guide their management.

PMR causes pain, stiffness, and disability in older adults. There are no validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for PMR.

Acquired ophthalmoplegia is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss and even death.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) causes severe inflammation of the aorta and its branches, and is characterized by intense effector T-cell infiltration. 2

The standardized mortality rate for giant cell arteritis (GCA) in France was stable from 2005 to 2014. Cardiovascular diseases and infections were the most common associated diseases. 5

Vision loss is the most common ophthalmic presentation of giant cell arteritis (GCA), but a significant minority of patients present with diplopia and other cranial neuropathies.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of systemic vasculitis in people older than 50 years of age. 7

Primary headaches are less common and differ in presentation in older versus younger individuals. Secondary headaches become more common among older patients. 4

Overall mortality in GCA patients is at best slightly higher than expected in relation to general population mortality data, but GCA is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality specifically related to aortic aneurysm or other cardiovascular causes. 3

Vasculitis is an autoimmune vascular inflammation with an unknown etiology and causes vessel wall destruction.

The aging process causes profound restructuring of the host immune system, typically associated with declining host protection against cancer and infection.

Knowledge of the natural history and epidemiology of giant cell arteritis (GCA) is growing.

The radiology of facial pain, emphasizing trigeminal neuralgia, relevant anatomy, current classification, concepts about etiology, and the role of imaging and its influence on the choice of treatment are reviewed. Other conditions that may present with facial pain, including trigeminal autonomic cephalgias and giant cell arteritis, are reviewed briefly.

Aortitis is a rare form of vasculitis that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality through the development of aneurysms, aortic rupture, dissection, and thrombotic occlusions. Common causes for non-infectious large vessel vasculitis include Takayasu's arteritis and giant cell arteritis.

The causes of cardiovascular ischemic events in giant cell arteritis are reviewed.

Causes of Giant Cell Arteritis

The causes of giant cell arteritis (GCA) are not fully understood. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. , ,

Common Causes

Immune system abnormalities

GCA is thought to be an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. , ,

Infections

GCA may be linked to infections, particularly varicella zoster virus.

Age

GCA is more common in older adults, and is thought to be caused by changes in the immune system that occur with age. , 4

Genetic factors

GCA may be linked to specific gene mutations.

Smoking

Smoking is thought to be a risk factor for GCA.

Treatment

Steroid Therapy

Steroid therapy is the main treatment for GCA, and helps to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels. , , 7

Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate, can be used to enhance the effects of steroid therapy or to reduce the need for steroids. 7

Biologics

Biologics, such as tocilizumab, block the action of inflammatory cytokines and can help to reduce the symptoms of GCA. , 7 ,

Lifestyle Changes

Quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise may help to reduce the risk of GCA.

Comparison of Research

Similarities

Many studies show that GCA is linked to a variety of factors that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels. , , ,

Differences

Research can vary in findings regarding the incidence, mortality, and causes of GCA. 5 , 3

Real-Life Applications

GCA is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss and other complications if not diagnosed and treated early. , , , 4

The symptoms of GCA can be similar to those of other conditions. 4 ,

Diagnosis and treatment of GCA should be done by a specialist. , 6 , 1 , 7 , ,

Limitations of Current Research

There is still much that is not known about the causes, pathophysiology, and treatment of GCA. , , ,

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to understand the causes, pathophysiology, and treatment of GCA. , , ,

Conclusion

GCA is a serious condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. If diagnosed early, it can be treated with medications like steroid therapy to reduce symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment of GCA should be done by a specialist. , , , 6 , 1 , , , , 2 , 5 , , 7 , 4 , 3 , , , , , ,