Extracranial Giant Cell Arteritis - A Distinctive Subtype

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic vasculitis, characterized by inflammation of large- and medium-sized arteries, primarily affecting the external carotid artery and its branches, especially the superficial temporal artery. We describe a series of three cases of "extracranial GCA" involving the aorta and its branches in the absence of classical cranial arteritis symptoms at the onset. Because of the paucity of disease-specific manifestations and its variability, extracranial GCA can be an overlooked clinical entity. Our clinical series illustrates that early recognition can be challenging but critical in preventing potentially devastating complications.