ABSTRACT
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is characterized by a necrotizing vasculitis affecting primarily the cranial branches of the arteries of the aortic arch. It occurs mainly in those over 50 years of age and becomes increasingly common with increasing age. The annual incidence in those in their sixth decade is quoted as 2.3 per 100000, increasing to 44 per 100000 in those in their ninth decade.
