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Updated: May 25, 2026

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 arteritis: a review of classification, pathophysiology, geoepidemiology and treatment

Andrea T Borchers1, M Eric Gershwin

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA.

Autoimmunity Reviews
|January 31, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) diagnosis may soon utilize ultrasound as a less invasive alternative to temporal artery biopsy. Research also highlights GCA

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology and Immunology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic vasculitis impacting large and medium-sized arteries, primarily cranial vessels.
  • Temporal artery biopsy is the traditional gold standard for GCA diagnosis.
  • GCA patients have an elevated risk of aortic aneurysms and dissection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and sex differences in GCA.
  • To explore alternative diagnostic methods for GCA.
  • To discuss the implications of widespread large-vessel involvement in GCA.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on GCA diagnosis and management.
  • Analysis of evidence supporting ultrasonography as a GCA diagnostic tool.
  • Discussion of imaging modalities (MRI, PET) for detecting extra-cranial GCA involvement.

Main Results:

  • Simultaneous color Doppler and duplex ultrasonography show promise as a less invasive alternative to temporal artery biopsy for GCA diagnosis.
  • Imaging studies reveal more frequent involvement of the aorta and its branches in GCA than previously recognized.
  • Increased risk of aortic aneurysms and dissection is a significant concern for GCA patients.

Conclusions:

  • Ultrasonography represents a viable alternative diagnostic approach for GCA.
  • The extent of large-vessel involvement in GCA necessitates further investigation into aggressive treatment strategies.
  • Regular screening for extra-cranial large-vessel involvement and adjusted treatment protocols are warranted for GCA patients.

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