Vascular CT Appearances
Giant Cell Arteritis CT Findings
- Blurred vessel margins
- Perivascular enhancement
- Concentric wall thickening
- Vascular wall edema
- Late contrast uptake
- Typically involves the aorta and its branches, and the extracranial branches of the carotid artery
Other Information About Giant Cell Arteritis
Etiology:
- Unknown
- Associated with Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Epidemiology:
- Common
- Twice more common in females
- Typically presents after age 50
- Patients with northern European ancestry more commonly experience GCA
Presentation:
- Bilateral head pain in the temple area
- Jaw pain
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
Prognosis:
- Treatment is available for patients with GCA
- GCA can cause complications such as blindness, stroke, and aneurysm, so prompt treatment is required
Related Pearls: Vasculitis
Related Lectures:
CT Evaluation of Vasculitis: Key Imaging Findings - Part 1