Giant cell arteritis most commonly involves which vascular territory?

Giant cell arteritis most commonly involves which vascular territory?

• A. Aorta
• B. Pulmonary arteries
• C. Cerebral veins
• D. Branches of the carotid artery

Answer: (D)

Giant cell arteritis is a granulomatous inflammation of medium- to large-sized arteries, with a strong preference for the branches of the external carotid artery. The superficial temporal artery is the classic example. This localization explains the hallmark symptoms: unilateral temporal headache, scalp tenderness, and jaw claudication, and it puts the ophthalmic artery at risk, leading to potential vision loss if not treated promptly. While the aorta and other large vessels can be involved in some cases, the most common territory is the branches of the carotid artery. Pulmonary arteries and cerebral veins are not typical targets of this disease.

Giant cell arteritis is a granulomatous inflammation of medium- to large-sized arteries, with a strong preference for the branches of the external carotid artery. The superficial temporal artery is the classic example. This localization explains the hallmark symptoms: unilateral temporal headache, scalp tenderness, and jaw claudication, and it puts the ophthalmic artery at risk, leading to potential vision loss if not treated promptly. While the aorta and other large vessels can be involved in some cases, the most common territory is the branches of the carotid artery. Pulmonary arteries and cerebral veins are not typical targets of this disease.