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Giant cell arteritis as a cause of death. Report of nine cases
Insights
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) can affect vital arteries, leading to fatal myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, or cerebral stroke. Inadequate corticosteroid treatment was noted in all fatal cases studied.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting large and medium-sized arteries.
- While cranial arteries are commonly involved, GCA can affect arteries throughout the body, posing significant risks.
Abstract:
Nine patients who have died of giant cell arteritis (GCA) are described. Two patients died of myocardial infarction caused by GCA in the coronary arteries. Another two patients died of dissecting aneurysm of the aorta where GCA were found in the lesions of the aorta wall. Giant cell arteritis causing cerebral stroke was the cause of death in five patients. None of the cases were receiving adequate corticosteroid treatment when symptoms of the ischemic catastrophies started. These cases illustrate that GCA is a generalized arteritis that can involve arteries of vital importance.