I found this paper[1] published from a local group at Prince of Wales Hospital very helpful for revision of giant cell arteritis and to take note of what has recently changed.
One of the key aspects in the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) is to begin treatment promptly - even if the diagnosis is not fully established. This is one of the key skills a clinical immunologist (or rheumatologist) tries to develop because while autoimmune diseases can be difficult to diagnose they can also rapidly progress leading to organ damage. Many patients encounter this challenge on their journey of living with autoimmune disease and hence it is the job of the clinician to ensure that this uncertainty is appropriately communicated to their client.
This paper is a helpful read for anyone who sees patients who may have giant cell arteritis. I particularly appreciated the paragraphs regarding the rates of relapse upon withdrawal of therapy and on de-escalation rather than sudden withdrawal of treatment. This paper also highlights how serious GCA is as the risks of relapse and subsequent complications persist even after the inflammation appears to have been controlled.
It is free to read on the journal's website.
- Liang, Ian, Hugh Caterson, and Anthony Sammel. “Advances in Management of Giant Cell Arteritis.” Internal Medicine Journal 56, no. 2 (2026): 171–83. https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.70315.