Giant cell arteritis typically affects older adults, while Takayasu arteritis typically affects younger adults. Which statement is correct?

Giant cell arteritis typically affects older adults, while Takayasu arteritis typically affects younger adults. Which statement is correct?

• A. GCA in older adults; Takayasu in younger adults
• B. GCA in younger adults; Takayasu in older adults
• C. GCA in children; Takayasu in adults
• D. GCA in adults of any age equally; Takayasu age distribution is broad

Answer: (A)

Giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis show distinct age patterns in adults. Giant cell arteritis typically affects older adults, usually those over 50, with peak incidence in the 70s. Takayasu arteritis, on the other hand, tends to affect younger adults, often women under 40, and involves the aorta and its major branches, sometimes presenting with diminished pulses and limb claudication. Because of these separate age distributions, the statement that GCA occurs in older adults while Takayasu arteritis occurs in younger adults is correct. The other possibilities contradict the usual age ranges of these diseases (GCA in younger or in children, or Takayasu in older adults or with a broad age distribution).

Giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis show distinct age patterns in adults. Giant cell arteritis typically affects older adults, usually those over 50, with peak incidence in the 70s. Takayasu arteritis, on the other hand, tends to affect younger adults, often women under 40, and involves the aorta and its major branches, sometimes presenting with diminished pulses and limb claudication. Because of these separate age distributions, the statement that GCA occurs in older adults while Takayasu arteritis occurs in younger adults is correct. The other possibilities contradict the usual age ranges of these diseases (GCA in younger or in children, or Takayasu in older adults or with a broad age distribution).