Giant cell arteritis as a cause of death

R. Andersson

Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgren University Hospital/Östra, Göteborg, Sweden

ABSTRACT

It is not well known that giant cell arteritis can cause fatal complications due to rupture of aortic aneurysms or cerebral and myocardial infarctions. If corticosteroid treatment is started early, most of these complications can be avoided.

Key words
Giant cell arteritis, mortality, aortic aneurysm, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction.

Please address correspondence and reprint requests to: Rune Andersson M.D, Ph.D, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgren University Hospital/Östra, SE-41685 Göteborg, Sweden.
E-mail: rune.andersson@medfak.gu.se

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2000: 18 (Suppl. 20): S27-S28.
© Copyright Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2000.