Large-Vessel Vasculitis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis are the two major forms of idiopathic large vessel vasculitis (LVV). The etiology of LVV is currently unknown, but the understanding of mechanisms involved in pathogenesis is constantly growing. The increasing availability and improvement of imaging techniques are making a profound impact in the evaluation and management of patients with LVV and will most likely play an ever more important role in the future. In this chapter, we will review the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of GCA and focus on the role of imaging studies in diagnosing and monitoring LVV. Finally, we will review standard and biological treatment strategies in LVV and focus on the current approaches to these diseases.