Coronary Ischaemia and Occlusion in Giant Cell (Temporal) Arteritis

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Abstract
Reports of coronary artery involvement in giant cell (temporal) arteritis-polymyalgia rheumatica (GC(T)A-PMR) together with other large arteries arising from the aorta were numerous. From a large group of cases 9 additional patients with both GC(T)A-PMR and ischemic heart disease (IHD) were observed since a previous report in 1960. The case histories illustrate the benefit from corticosteroids and the hazards of non-diagnosis and premature cessation of such treatment. Many patients with arteritic IHD (and claudication) seemingly are not identified before or after death. Possible reasons for this oversight are offered. Suggestions are made with regard to points in history-taking and important physical signs which may help to alert the clinician. The prevalence of GC(T)A-PMR may be much higher than presently suspected on clinical grounds.