Temporal artery bruits in a patient with giant cell arteritis.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by granulomatous inflammation of medium and large arteries. A 69-year-old man presented with right jaw claudication, intermittent scalp tenderness without headache, and visibly swollen temporal arteries. Results of a right temporal artery biopsy were positive for GCA. Auscultation revealed audible bruits of the temporal arteries. We believe this is the first reported example of bruits of the temporal arteries as a manifestation of GCA. The condition resolved with corticosteroid therapy.