Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Mouse Models for Graft Arteriosclerosis
Published on: May 14, 2013
[Large vessel vasculitis]
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Rheumatologie/klinische Immunologie, Asklepios Klinikum Bad Abbach, Kaiser-Karl V,-Allee 3, 93077, Bad Abbach, Deutschland, sa.weigand@asklepios.com.
Abstract:
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TA) are the two diseases characterized as large vessel vasculitis (LVV) and are autoimmune diseases with granulomatous inflammation that affect medium and large sized arteries. These diseases are accompanied by symptoms of systemic inflammatory reactions typically including fatigue, weight loss and low grade fever as well as elevation of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. More specific symptoms include headache and visual symptoms for GCA and arm or leg claudication, renal hypertension and angina pectoris for TA. Imaging studies to demonstrate inflammatory vascular wall lesions and biopsy of the temporal artery for GCA are the most relevant diagnostic procedures. Treatment relies mainly on glucocorticoids. Methotrexate seems to have a moderate glucocorticoid-sparing effect but evidence for other immunosuppressants, including azathioprine, tocilizumab and cyclophosphamide is limited. Revascularization methods might also be required in TA.
Related Concept Videos
Vascular Spasm
Venules
Venules are much smaller in diameter compared to their larger counterparts, the veins. They are generally 8 to 100 micrometers in diameter, significantly smaller than the size of veins. The walls of venules are thin, consisting of the endothelium, a thin layer of connective tissue, and occasionally a few smooth muscle cells. This structural simplicity is a stark contrast...
Structure of Blood Vessels
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

