Giant cell arteritis of the cervical radicular vessels presenting with diaphragmatic weakness

The clinical and histopathological details of a patient who succumbed to gi ant cell arteritis (GCA) of the cervical radicular vessels are described. T he initial clinical presentation, with diaphragmatic weakness, has not prev iously been reported. Normal inflammatory indices and the unusual presentat ion prevented diagnosis during life, but GCA should be considered in the di fferential diagnosis of any unexplained neuropathic or radiculopathic syndr ome, as corticosteroid therapy may lead to recovery. This is the first acco unt of the pathological findings in cervical radiculopathy associated with GCA.