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No specific autoantibody associated with GCA
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and inflammation markers
Arteries, especially:
Temporal arteries
Ophthalmic arteries
Aorta and its branches (in some cases)
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the large and medium-sized arteries, especially those in the head, neck, and upper body. Most commonly, it involves the temporal arteries on the sides of the head.
The inflammation can narrow or block blood flow, leading to symptoms like headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, and vision problems. Without treatment, GCA can lead to permanent vision loss or stroke.
New, persistent headache (especially at the temples)
Scalp tenderness (pain when brushing hair)
Jaw pain when chewing (jaw claudication)
Vision changes, including blurred vision or sudden blindness in one eye
Fatigue, fever, or weight loss
Muscle aches (especially shoulders and hips, may overlap with polymyalgia rheumatica)
Tender or thickened temporal arteries
GCA is an autoimmune vasculitis, meaning the immune system attacks the blood vessels.
The exact cause is unknown, but contributing factors include:
Aging (almost exclusively affects adults over 50)
Genetics (certain HLA types)
Environmental factors, such as infections, may trigger onset
Blood tests:
Elevated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
Elevated CRP (C-reactive protein)
Mild anemia
Temporal artery biopsy (confirms diagnosis)
Ultrasound of the temporal arteries
MRI or PET scans for large-vessel involvement
High-dose corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) – started immediately to prevent vision loss
Tapering over time under close monitoring
Tocilizumab (Actemra) – a biologic approved for GCA in some cases
Aspirin may be used to reduce stroke risk
Bone protection (calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates) if on long-term steroids
With early treatment, most people recover well and avoid complications
Long-term steroid use may lead to side effects like osteoporosis or diabetes
Vision loss, if it occurs, is often permanent
Relapses are common and require careful monitoring
Estimated at 200 per 100,000 people over age 50
Most common in older adults, especially women of Northern European descent
Rare in people under 50
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Giant Cell Arteritis.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giant-cell-arteritis
Weyand CM, Goronzy JJ. (2014). Giant-cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. N Engl J Med.
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1313463
NHS. (2022). Giant Cell Arteritis.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/giant-cell-arteritis
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