Prognosis of Giant Cell Arteritis
The risk of death from GCA appears to be increased (3×) within the first 4 months of starting therapy. Patients typically die of vascular complications, such as stroke or myocardial infarction, supporting the use of aspirin or ASA (81 mg daily) in patients diagnosed with GCA.
After 4 months (with therapy), the mortality is similar to that of an age-matched general population except as related to aortic dissection.