Giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis) is associated with which type of inflammation?

Giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis) is associated with which type of inflammation?

• A. Acute
• B. Subacute
• C. Chronic
• D. Necrotizing

Answer: (C)

Giant cell arteritis is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of large arteries, a classic example of chronic inflammation. The inflammatory infiltrate mainly consists of T cells and macrophages forming granulomas with multinucleated giant cells, along with intimal hyperplasia and disruption of the elastic lamina. This pattern develops over weeks to months, leading to progressive luminal narrowing and ischemic symptoms such as headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, and potential vision loss. Acute vasculitis would show neutrophils and rapid onset, while necrotizing patterns are not defining for this disease. Thus, chronic inflammation best describes the type of inflammation seen in giant cell arteritis.

Giant cell arteritis is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of large arteries, a classic example of chronic inflammation. The inflammatory infiltrate mainly consists of T cells and macrophages forming granulomas with multinucleated giant cells, along with intimal hyperplasia and disruption of the elastic lamina. This pattern develops over weeks to months, leading to progressive luminal narrowing and ischemic symptoms such as headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, and potential vision loss. Acute vasculitis would show neutrophils and rapid onset, while necrotizing patterns are not defining for this disease. Thus, chronic inflammation best describes the type of inflammation seen in giant cell arteritis.