My Treatment Approach to Giant Cell Arteritis
Thomas D Garvey1, Matthew J Koster1, Kenneth J Warrington1
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|June 5, 2021
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a common vasculitis in older adults. This review offers practical guidance on diagnosing and managing GCA, incorporating new imaging and treatment advances.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
- Vasculitis Research
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most prevalent primary systemic vasculitis affecting individuals aged 50 and above.
- Glucocorticoids have been the standard treatment for GCA for nearly seven decades.
- Recent advancements in arterial imaging aid in GCA diagnosis and identification of disease subsets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To offer clinicians a pragmatic approach to evaluating and managing patients with GCA.
- To discuss recent developments in the diagnosis of GCA.
- To review emerging therapeutic options for GCA management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent diagnostic and therapeutic developments in GCA.
- Synthesis of current clinical practices for GCA evaluation and management.
- Analysis of the role of advanced arterial imaging in GCA.
Main Results:
- Expanded use of advanced arterial imaging improves GCA diagnosis and subset recognition.
- New therapeutic options beyond glucocorticoids are becoming available for GCA.
- A pragmatic, evidence-based approach to GCA management is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians require updated guidance for effective GCA patient evaluation and management.
- Integrating advanced imaging and novel therapies can optimize GCA treatment outcomes.
- This review provides a practical framework for addressing recent advancements in GCA.
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