Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
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Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) Overview

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Learn About Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

What is the definition of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a form of vasculitis, a group of disorders that cause inflammation of blood vessels. GCA most commonly affects the arteries of the head (especially the temporal arteries, located on each side of the head), but arteries in other areas of the body can also become inflamed. The inflammation causes the arteries to narrow, resulting in poor blood flow. Symptoms when arteries in the head are involved may include a throbbing headache on one side or the back of the head, tenderness of the scalp, flu-like symptoms, and/or problems with eyesight. Symptoms when other arteries are involved depend on the location of those arteries. The cause of GCA is still being studied, but it is thought to involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the artery walls. Several genetic and environmental factors may increase a person's risk to develop GCA. GCA may develop with or after another inflammatory disorder known as polymyalgia rheumatica.
What are the alternative names for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
  • Giant cell arteritis
  • Arteritis cranialis
  • Arteritis temporalis
  • Cranial arteritis
  • GCA
  • Horton's arteritis
  • Horton's giant cell arteritis
  • Horton's temporal arteritis
  • Horton’s disease
  • Horton’s syndrome
  • Temporal arteritis
Who are the top Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) Local Doctors?
Elite in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
Elite in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
Referral may be required
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Mayo Clinic-Rochester

5716 Cleveland St Ste 200, 
Virginia Beach, VA 
507-284-2511
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients

Eric Matteson is a Rheumatologist practicing medicine in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Dr. Matteson is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rhizomelic Pseudopolyarthritis, Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), Temporal Arteritis, and Tissue Biopsy. Dr. Matteson is currently accepting new patients.

Elite in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
Dr. Philip Seo
Rheumatology
Elite in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
Dr. Philip Seo
Rheumatology
Referral required
Before you request

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

Baltimore, MD 
443-997-1552
Languages Spoken:
English, French, Spanish
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Philip Seo is a Rheumatologist practicing medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Seo is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Vasculitis, Microscopic Polyangiitis, Takayasu Arteritis, and Tissue Biopsy. Dr. Seo is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Seo is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Distinguished in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
Dr. Jenna M. King
Rheumatology
Distinguished in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
Dr. Jenna M. King
Rheumatology
Referral may be required
Before you request

Avera Medical Group Rheumatology — 69th & Louise

6100 S Louise Ave, Suite 1130, 
Sioux Falls, SD 
605-504-1600
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Jenna King is a Rheumatologist practicing medicine in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dr. King is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). She is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Calcium Pyrophosphate Arthritis, Juvenile Temporal Arteritis, and Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Dr. King is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine; American Board Of Internal Medicine-Rheumatology; American Osteopathic Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. King is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) Clinical Trials?
Disease Activity Monitoring in Patients With Giant Cell Arteritis
Disease Activity Monitoring in Patients With Giant Cell Arteritis
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: August 31, 2026

Summary: Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a vasculitis of medium- and large-sized arteries in older adults that may lead to serious vascular complications, including permanent vision loss and aortic aneurysm formation. Glucocorticoids are effective, but relapse during tapering is common and poses a major clinical challenge, potentially contributing to prolonged glucocorticoid exposure. Symptoms are often nons...

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A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial of Abatacept (CTLA4-Ig) in Giant Cell Arteritis (ABAGART)
A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial of Abatacept (CTLA4-Ig) in Giant Cell Arteritis (ABAGART)
Who is this study for: Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: August 20, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Drug: Abatacept
Study Phase: Phase 3

Summary: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will seek to determine the efficacy of abatacept in GCA. To examine this objective, 62 eligible patients who have newly diagnosed or relapsing GCA within 8 weeks prior to screening will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous abatacept 125mg/week or placebo. Patients who achieve remission will remain on their blinded assignment f...

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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 02, 2022
Published By: Genetic and Rare Diseases Informnation Center