Stroke characteristics in giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis: A multicenter retrospective cohort study of 108 patients

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is an uncommon but pivotal prognostic factor in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). While both conditions are large vessel vasculitis stroke characteristics may differ between them, with potential implications for diagnosis and acute management. This study aimed to compare the epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic features of stroke in GCA and TAK. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study including patients who met the ACR/EULAR 2022 classification criteria for GCA or TAK and experienced at least one imaging-confirmed stroke. Patients with transient ischemic attacks, strokes occurring after the age of fifty in TAK, or strokes secondary to atrial fibrillation were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients were analyzed (68 GCA, 40 TAK). The female-to-male ratio was 0.78 in GCA and 5.2 in TAK (p