[Latest advances in diagnosis and therapy of giant cell arteritis (Horton's disease)]

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as Horton's disease, is a subacute vasculitis impacting large arteries.
• It predominantly affects individuals over 50, with incidence rising with age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest recommendations for diagnosing and treating GCA.
• To highlight advancements in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical guidelines.
• Discussion of diagnostic criteria including clinical presentation, inflammatory markers, imaging, and histology.
• Evaluation of evolving treatment approaches, including corticosteroids and novel therapies.

Main Results:

• Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical findings, elevated inflammatory markers, and imaging.
• Temporal artery biopsy, the traditional gold standard, is increasingly supplemented by non-invasive imaging like Doppler ultrasound and PET.
• Corticosteroids are the primary treatment, but newer agents are being developed to minimize steroid-related side effects.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of GCA involves integrating multiple data points.
• Non-invasive imaging is becoming crucial in GCA diagnosis, complementing or replacing biopsy.
• Current and emerging treatments aim for effective GCA management while reducing corticosteroid burden.