Arteritis temporalis

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a common systemic vasculitis in elderly Norwegian patients. Scandinavian studies confirm that GCA usually starts rather acute and is diagnosed within less than two months in most cases. Temporal headache, tenderness and reduced pulsation of the temporal artery combined with significantly elevated ESR are typical features of the disease. A declining incidence from North to South across Europe has been found. The estimated annual incidence in Norway is 20.6-29.1 per 100.000 persons aged 50 years or more, which is among the highest worldwide. The high incidence in the Northern countries and the still incomplete understood ethiopathogenesis should encourage Scandinavian research on GCA.