Giant cell arteritis: An updated review of an old disease

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis is a common systemic vasculitis that affects the elderly and has a variable clinical presentation. Physicians should be aware of its different clinical phenotypes so that they can recognize it early and promptly initiate glucocorticoids, the mainstay of therapy. Clinicians should also be familiar with the toxicity of glucocorticoids and how to manage adverse effects. Tocilizumab, an interleukin 6 receptor inhibitor, is emerging as a glucocorticoid-sparing treatment, though its long-term safety and efficacy are still under study.