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Published on: February 8, 2019
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Giant cell arteritis in Finland from 2010 to 2020: incidence, developing diagnostic methods and disease presentation
Lauri Kivitalo1,2, Kirsi Taimen3,4, Tuulikki Sokka-Isler5,6
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
Rheumatology Advances in Practice
|June 9, 2025
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) incidence rose in Finland, with more confirmed diagnoses via advanced imaging. Large vessel GCA (LV-GCA) was also identified more frequently over time.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis affecting medium and large arteries.
- Understanding temporal trends in GCA incidence and diagnosis is crucial for public health and clinical management.
- Previous studies have shown geographic and temporal variations in GCA epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the annual incidence of GCA in Finland from 2010 to 2020.
- To analyze changes in diagnostic methods, including imaging and biopsy confirmation.
- To describe the clinical presentation and phenotype, specifically cranial versus large vessel (LV)-GCA, over time.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of newly diagnosed GCA patients from 2010-2020 across four Finnish healthcare districts.
- Review of medical records to collect data on incidence, diagnostic modalities, and patient phenotypes.
- Statistical analysis to compare diagnostic methods and incidence rates between two time periods (2010-2015 and 2016-2020).
Main Results:
- A total of 602 GCA patients were identified. The incidence was 9.0 cases/100,000 persons (≥50 years), with a significant increase in 2016-2020 compared to 2010-2015.
- The proportion of confirmed diagnoses (imaging or biopsy) rose from 64.7% to 82.2%, with increased use of imaging and decreased use of temporal artery biopsies.
- Large vessel GCA (LV-GCA) identification increased from 19.3% to 34.0% between the two periods.
Conclusions:
- GCA incidence in Finland has increased, likely influenced by the wider adoption of advanced imaging techniques.
- Diagnostic confirmation rates for GCA have improved, reflecting advancements in medical imaging.
- There is a notable rise in the identification of large vessel GCA (LV-GCA) cases.
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