Temporal arteritis

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Carotid artery anatomy

Temporal arteritis is a disorder involving inflammation and damage to blood vessels, particularly the large or medium arteries that branch from the external carotid artery of the neck.

Arteritis - temporal; Cranial arteritis; Giant cell arteritis

Giant cell, cranial, or temporal arteritis occurs when there is inflammation and necrosis (death of the tissues) of one or more arteries. It most commonly occurs in the head, especially in the temporal arteries that branch from the carotid artery of the neck. However, it can be systemic, affecting multiple medium-to-large sized arteries anywhere in the body.

The cause is unknown but is assumed to be, at least in part, an effect of the immune response. The disorder has been associated with severe infections and high doses of antibiotics. The symptoms occur because of inflammation.

The disorder may exist independently or may coexist with or follow polymyalgia rheumatica (a disorder characterized by abrupt development of pain and stiffness in the pelvis and shoulder muscles). About 25% of people with giant cell arteritis also experience polymyalgia rheumatica.

Giant cell arteritis is seen almost exclusively in those over 50 years old, but may occasionally occur in younger people. It is rare in people of African descent. There is some evidence that it runs in families.

Review Date: 04/20/2005
Reviewed By: Stanford Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.