Giant cell arteritis involving the carotid artery

A case of transient cerebral and retinal ischemia caused by giant cell arteritis is reported. Because of the distribution of the disease, the patient was treated with a subclavian to carotid reversed saphenous vein graft. The clinical features of giant cell arteritis affecting the branches of the aortic arch are reviewed, and the management of atypical carotid artery lesions is discussed.