Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Giant Cell Arteritis: Clarifying the Link
Sebastien Strachan1, Mohammad A Zafar1, Sudhir Perincheri2
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.
Aorta (Stamford, Conn.)
|December 23, 2025
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is associated with a 3.1% incidence of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). Hypertension, smoking, and hyperlipidemia are key risk factors, with ascending aortic aneurysms being most common.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a serious cardiovascular condition.
- The association between GCA and TAA requires further definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the association between thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and giant cell arteritis (GCA).
- To enhance cross-diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy for patients with both conditions.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review across multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase).
- Retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with both TAA and GCA from 1980-2024.
- Descriptive statistical analysis to support the identified association.
Main Results:
- Literature review indicated an increased incidence and relative risk of TAA in GCA patients.
- Retrospective study found a 3.1% incidence of TAA among 2,344 GCA patients.
- Ascending aortic aneurysms were most common (84.7%), with hypertension, smoking, and hyperlipidemia as frequent comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- TAA is a significant concern in GCA patients, with a 3.1% incidence observed.
- Monitoring for TAA in the GCA population is crucial.
- Hypertension, smoking, and hyperlipidemia are important risk factors to consider in this patient group.
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