Summary

The aorta and its branches are involved in about 30% of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) [Nuenningh-off DM et al. Arthritis Rheum 2003]. Patients with GCA have a 17-fold risk for developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm and a 2.4-fold risk for developing an abdominal aneurysm [Evans JM et al. Ann Intern Med 1995]. Aortic aneurysm in GCA is poorly understood, with few data on risk and predictors of dissection and rupture. The current guidelines for monitoring and management of aortic aneurysm do not address this unique population.