Introduction: Steroid therapy remains the standard treatment for giant cell arteritis but is sometimes incriminated in the occurrence of ischemic events, particularly in the early phase of the disease.
Exegesis: We report four cases of ischemic events observed early after initiation of steroid therapy in giant cell arteritis. We also reviewed the literature.
Conclusion: Though the close temporal relationship between the initiation of steroids and the occurrence of ischemic events suggests a causative link, other factors such as arteritis itself or arteriosclerosis would also play a role. Systematic prescription of an anticoagulant should be discussed at the initial phase of treatment of giant cell arteritis.