Giant cell arteritis presenting as pulseless disease of the upper extremities.

The most frequently recognized clinical features of giant cell arteritis (GCA) derive from the involvement of the cranial arteries. In 10% of patients, however, the aorta and its major branches, are also affected. We report a case of a 53-year-old woman presenting with a fainting episode and diminished pulses in the upper extremities. Histologic examination of the temporal artery revealed features of giant cell arteritis.