Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal)

Type of vasculitis (hypersensitivity type IV) affecting large arteries in head - can lead to blindness

• Older individuals, F>M, PMH of polymyalgia rheumatica
• Cytokines released from inflammation cause chronic granulomatous inflammation, which thickens artery and narrows lumen
• Pain when eaeting, vision problems, tender around area