Definition of Arteritis, giant cell

Arteritis, giant cell: A chronic vascular disease, most often involving the carotid artery system, that can lead to blindness and/or stroke, Giant cell arteritis (also called temporal arteritis) is detected by a biopsy of an artery, and is treated with high dose cortisone.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2345
Last Editorial Review: 4/27/2011 5:27:15 PM