Giant Cell Arteritis Diagnosis by Biopsy or Ultrasound: Are we Classifying a Homogeneous Population?

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous vasculitis with autoimmune origin that is defined by the presence of mononuclear cell infiltrates and the formation of giant cells. It appears in elderly patients and involves the aorta and its branches, particularly the superficial temporal artery. In these patients, rapid diagnosis and immediate initiation of treatment are essential to prevent vascular complications, particularly visual loss and ischemic stroke.