Mönckeberg sclerosis with giant cells as a masquerade of giant cell arteritis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Pathology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common large/medium vessel vasculitis in adults.
• GCA commonly affects the ophthalmic circulation and extracranial carotid arteries.
• Temporal artery biopsy is a key diagnostic tool for GCA, often showing giant cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of Mönckeberg sclerosis with multinucleated giant cells in the temporal artery.
• To highlight the potential for Mönckeberg sclerosis to mimic GCA.
• To emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in diagnosing rare vascular conditions.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with temporal artery findings.
• Histopathological examination of temporal artery biopsy.
• Clinical correlation of findings with suspected GCA.

Main Results:

• The temporal artery biopsy revealed Mönckeberg sclerosis with multinucleated giant cells.
• The findings mimicked the histological presentation of GCA.
• This represents the third reported case of its kind.

Conclusions:

• Mönckeberg sclerosis with giant cells is a rare entity that can mimic GCA.
• Awareness of this rare finding is crucial for rheumatologists evaluating suspected GCA.
• Close collaboration between clinicians and pathologists is essential for accurate diagnosis and patient management.