The incidence of giant cell arteritis in Olmsted County, Minnesota, over a 60-year period 1950-2009

Scand J Rheumatol. 2015 May;44(3):215-8. doi: 10.3109/03009742.2014.982701. Epub 2015 Jan 21.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the incidence of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in the era from 2000 to 2009.

Method: We extended the previously identified population-based cohort of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents who fulfilled 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for GCA for earlier decades during 1950-1999.

Results: In 2000-2009, 74 cases of GCA were identified (mean age 78.1 years; 80% women; 79% temporal artery biopsy positive; seven included based on radiological criteria). The incidence of GCA was 19.8 per 100,000 population.

Conclusions: The GCA incidence rates have remained steady since 1970 and the age at incidence, which was progressively increasing, seems to have reached a plateau.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Age of Onset
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minnesota / epidemiology
  • Sex Distribution