Giant Cell Arteritis versus Takayasu Arteritis: An Update

Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology
Pavlos Stamatis

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu Arteritis (TAK) are two systemic granulomatous vasculitides affecting medium- and large-sized arteries. Similarities in GCA and TAK regarding the clinical presentation, the systemic inflammatory response and the distribution of the arterial lesions, have triggered a debate over the last decade about whether GCA and TAK represent two different diseases, or are age-associated different clinical phenotypes of the same disease. On the other hand, there are differences regarding epidemiology, several clinical features (eg, polymyalgia rheumatica in GCA) and treatment. The aim of this review is to present the latest data regarding this question and to shed some light on the differences and similarities between GCA and TAK regarding epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, histopathology, clinical presentation, imaging and treatment. The existing data in literature support the opinion that GCA and TAK are different clinical entities.

Citations


❮ Previous
Next ❯

Methods Mentioned

BETA
genotyping
biopsies

Clinical Trials Mentioned

NCT02915159
NCT03725202

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Aortic Coarctation

Aortic coarctation is a congenital condition characterized by narrowing of the aorta. Discover the latest research on this disease here.