(I-3A.2) Giant cell aortitis of the ascending aorta without signs and symptoms of systemic vasculitis Prof. Podolec P. MD, PhD, Stępniewski J, MD, Drabik L. MD, Prof. Ereminienė E. MD, PhD, Prof. Benetis R. MD, PhD, Dziedzic H. MD
Keywords: ascending aorta, giant cell aortitis Background Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the medium and large elastic arteries, especially cranial vessels, that predominantly occurs in the elderly. The estimated incidence in Europe in individuals over 50 years of age varies between 32 and 290/million/year [1] Aortic aneurysm or dissection develops only in up to 18% of patients with GCA. Diagnosis is often delayed due to poor recognition of early nonspecific symptoms and the management of …