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

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Large-vessel involvement in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica

Francesco Muratore1, Giulia Pazzola, Nicolò Pipitone

  • 1Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera ASMN, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Reggio Emilia, Italy. muratore.francesco@asmn.re.it.

Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|May 24, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are related conditions. Large-vessel involvement (LVI) is increasingly found in GCA, potentially causing serious complications, while rare in PMR.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are inflammatory conditions affecting older adults.
  • Large-vessel involvement (LVI) is increasingly recognized in GCA, with potential for severe vascular complications.
  • Vascular complications are rare in PMR, but overlap between GCA and PMR is common.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of large-vessel involvement (LVI) in GCA and PMR.
  • To address controversies in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of LVI in these conditions.
  • To highlight the clinical significance of LVI in GCA versus PMR.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on LVI in GCA and PMR.
  • Analysis of diagnostic modalities for LVI.
  • Discussion of management strategies for vascular complications.

Main Results:

  • LVI is increasingly detected in GCA using advanced imaging, leading to complications like aortic aneurysms and dissections.
  • Limb artery stenosis is a recognized complication of LVI in GCA.
  • Vascular complications directly attributed to PMR are exceedingly rare.

Conclusions:

  • LVI is a significant concern in GCA, necessitating careful diagnosis and management.
  • The role and management of LVI in PMR require further clarification.
  • Distinguishing LVI in GCA from PMR is crucial for appropriate patient care.

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