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An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
06:35

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis

Published on: February 8, 2019

Giant cell (temporal) arteritis-polymyalgia rheumatica: a critical review

J W Paulley1

  • 1Ipswich Hospitals, Suffolk.

Recenti Progressi in Medicina
|March 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Giant cell (temporal) arteritis is a common inflammatory condition affecting large arteries in individuals over 50. This review highlights controversies and neglected aspects, including its potential underdiagnosis and involvement of intracerebral vessels.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Giant cell (temporal) arteritis (GCA) is a prevalent vasculitis affecting medium and large arteries.
  • Up to 50% of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) patients may develop GCA manifestations.
  • GCA diagnosis can be challenging, with potential for underdiagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically review controversial and neglected aspects of Giant Cell Arteritis.
  • To emphasize the need for urgent clarification on intracerebral vessel involvement.
  • To highlight the implications of symptomatically silent but active GCA.

Main Methods:

  • Critical literature review.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data, including autopsy statistics.
  • Discussion of clinical implications and diagnostic challenges.

Main Results:

  • Autopsy data suggest GCA is more common than clinically diagnosed.
  • Uncertainty persists regarding intracerebral vessel involvement in GCA.
  • GCA can be active and asymptomatic, posing diagnostic difficulties.

Conclusions:

  • GCA diagnosis and management require further research into epidemiology and vessel involvement.
  • Clinicians must consider the possibility of silent GCA, especially in at-risk populations.
  • Urgent research is needed to address diagnostic gaps and treatment implications, particularly concerning stroke management.

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