Giant cell arteritis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Giant cell arteritis is an important cause of blindness in patients over 60 years of age. We attempt to identify the important clinical aspects in the diagnosis and management of this disorder, so that treatment may be instituted expeditiously to limit visual loss.

RECENT FINDINGS: In addition, we identify current areas of standards in the investigation and treatment of patients with suspected giant cell arteritis.

SUMMARY: We review some newer treatment possibilities, based on recently proposed immunologic models of giant cell arteritis, that may lead to newer treatment modalities.