Temporal arteritis. A 14-year epidemiological, clinical and prognostic study.

A total of 136 patients with histologically proven temporal arteritis were seen in the Lothian Region of Scotland in the 14-year period, 1964-77. This study is a review of these cases with particular reference to incidence, age, sex, seasonal occurrence, along with clinical features, general and visual prognosis. It also comments on treatment, the adverse effects thereof, and the differential diagnosis. A seasonal effect significant at the 1 per cent level was established with a peak occurrence in January.