Duplex ultrasound in the diagnosis of temporal arteritis

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis is the most common primary arteritis diagnosed, with an average incidence of 15-25 cases per 100,000 population over the age of 50.1 Giant cell arteritis can be subclassified into at least three main types: cranial, affecting the arteries of the face, head, and posterior cerebral circulation; large vessel, involving the axillary and subclavian arteries; and aortic, leading to aneurysmal degeneration of the ascending aorta or aortic valve insufficiency. Of these, the most common presentation is the cranial form, traditionally referred to as temporal arteritis. In this form, the arteritis involves the superficial temporal arteries as well as the facial artery branches. Involvement of the ophthalmic artery can lead to retinal ischemia and is the second leading cause of acquired blindness in the United States.2 © 2007 Springer-Verlag London Limited.