The presence of giant cells is not a significant factor in determining treatment or clinical progression of temporal arteritis. However, results showed the GC group to have three times the occurrence of blindness and PMR compared to the NGC group. Although the differences were not significant, this analysis suggests an association with giant cells and more aggressive disease.

SUMMARY A 60-year-old man with destructive rheumatoid disease, multiple nodules, and vasculitis developed a facial rash with ulceration and scarring. Histology showed granulomatous vasculitis. The rash was rapidly controlled with oral corticosteroids. Granulomatous vasculitis has not previously been reported as causing this clinical picture in the absence of concomitant necrobiosis and palisading.