HLA antigens in patients with giant cell arteritis, compared with two control groups of different ages.

The prevalence of 39 HLA antigens of series A, B and C was determined in 63 patients with Giant cell arteritis. In 44 patients the diagnosis was established by means of temporal artery biopsy and in 19 it was based on clinical criteria. The prevalence of the antigens was compared with that in two control groups of different ages. No significantly increased antigen prevalence was seen in our patients, as compared with controls. There were no differences in the prevalence of HLA antigens between groups of patients with different clinical forms of GCA. Nor was any difference in the prevalence of HLA antigens found between younger and older healthy individuals.