Giant cell arteritis is a form of vasculitis affecting large blood vessels; it typically affects patients with an average age of 75, and is associated with a higher rate of ischemic complications than in the general population. Some clinicians use aspirin for primary prevention; however, few studies support this practice.
Based on the SNDS, nearly 15,000 patients with no history of cardiovascular disease and a new diagnosis of giant cell arteritis were included. At 1 year, a significant reduction in major cardiovascular events was observed, including all-cause mortality. An increase in major bleeding events was also observed. At 3 years, a benefit in favor of aspirin persisted, without an increase in bleeding risk.
Subgroup analyses showed a greater benefit among women and patients with diabetes, whereas no benefit was observed among men, who instead experienced a marked increase in the risk of bleeding.
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