Coronary ischaemia and occlusion in giant cell (temporal) arteritis

Abstract

Reports of coronary artery involvement in giant cell (temporal) arteritis--polymyalgia rheumatica (GC(T)A--PMR) together with other large arteries arising from the aorta have been numerous over the past 40 years, but on this the specialist cardiac literature has been virtually silent. This article summarises that evidence, and records nine additional patients from a large group of cases with both GC(T)A--PMR and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) observed since a previous report in 1960. The case histories illustrate the benefit from corticosteroids and the hazards of non-diagnosis and premature cessation of such treatment. It seems that many patients with arteritic IHD (and claudication) are not being identified before or after death. Possible reasons for this oversight by clinicians and pathologists are offered, and suggestions are made with regard to points in history-taking and important physical signs which may help to alert the clinician. There is autopsy evidence from Malmö, Sweden, that the prevalence of GC(T)A--PMR is much higher than at present suspected on clinical grounds.