Cardiovascular lesions in giant cell arteritis

INTRODUCTION: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis that affects large vessels. Cardiovascular complications that develop with GCA have high morbidity and can be fatal. The aim of this work was to discuss epidemiology, clinical picture, etiopathology and risk of development of cardiovascular complications in GCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature review was performed for 2002 to 2021 using PubMed and Medline scientific search databases. The following keywords were used to search academic journal databases: “giant cell arteritis”, “heart attack”, “cardiovascular system”, “aortic aneurysm”, “coronary heart disease”, “aortic dissection”, “myocardium” and “stroke”. Articles written in languages, other than English, were excluded. RESULTS: The analysis of studies showed an increased risk of an aneurysm, aortic dissection, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular events, and peripheral artery disease in patients with GCA. This was not surprising as it has been shown that, cardiovascular complications worsens the prognosis in GCA. According to the results of observations and cited studies the most significant risk of cardiovascular complications was observed in the first year following the diagnosis of GCA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with GCA have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but research data/findings are somewhat conflicting, and there is limited information/knowledge on how to treat the patients. Awareness of the risk of cardiovascular disease in GCA is essential, and monitoring these potentially fatal consequences is mandatory in patients with GCA. It is critical to be aware of the danger of cardiovascular illness in GCA patients and to keep track of these potentially deadly outcomes.