Superior and inferior limb ischaemia in giant cell arteritis: angiography follow-up

Giant cell arteritis most often affects the superficial temporal artery. Arterial territories such as the facial, carotid, myometrial and upper and lower limb arteries may be affected. In this paper we describe the case of a 52-year-old patient with upper and lower limb ischaemia who presented with grade III ischaemia in the left lower limb. Giant cell arteritis was diagnosed as responsible for the symptoms. After treatment with corticoids, an angiographic improvement was evidence after 2-year period. The low number of reported cases, the diverse symptoms and varied course make diagnosis of GCA difficult. Therefore, GCA must be taken into consideration in the ischaemia of inferior and superior limbs whether isolated or simultaneous.