Presse Med
-
Aortitis, defined by aortic parietal thickening, is noted in about 50% of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). Aortic structural lesions, ectasia or aneurism, may occur with or without inflammatory aspect of the aorta, sometimes since the diagnosis of GCA, but more frequently during follow-up. ⋯ Treatment of GCA-related aortitis is based on high-dose glucosteroids, with an initial prednisone dose at 0.7 mg/kg/d, as recommended by the French Study Group for large vessel vasculitis (GEFA). Aortic ectasia and aneurisms have to be monitored, in order to propose aortic surgery in the best conditions as possible.