Medium- and Large-Vessel Vasculitis

Giant-cell arteritis typically involves extracranial branches of the aorta, such as the temporal and vertebral arteries. Temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica often coexist, and systemic manifestations of inflammation occur in virtually all forms of giant-cell arteritis. This article reviews the mechanisms that contribute to the causes of giant-cell arteritis, with an emphasis on immune-mediated injury to arteries.