Giant cell aortitis in treatment-naive human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C coinfection

Giant cell arteritis is a common form of vasculitis, although involvement of the aorta is unusual. There is no established association between giant cell aortitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection. We present the case of a 46-year-old female coinfected with HIV and HCV who had never received antiretroviral therapy and developed symptoms of deteriorating shortness of breath on exertion. Investigations demonstrated aortic root and ascending aorta dilatation, along with severe aortic valve regurgitation, for which the patient underwent valve-sparing aortic root replacement (a David procedure). Histopathology confirmed giant cell aortitis.