Giant Cell Angiitis with Localizations in the Large Arteries of the Head (Vertebral and Internal Carotid)

The present paper reports on a patient with a clinical picture of bilateral obstruction of the vertebral arteries. The pathoanatomic examination revealed giant cell granulomatous arteritis localized in the large arteries of the neck (vertebral and carotid). The delimitation of this process and its relationship with Horton’s temporal arteritis, giant cell granulomatous arteritis of the intracerebral vessels and Takayasu’s syndrome of the arch of the aorta are discussed. Coaffection of the spinal ganglia in the inflammatory process and the evolution in attacks is emphasized.