Clinical phenotype and complications of large vessel giant cell arteritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a heterogenous systemic granulomatous vasculitis involving the aorta and any of its major tributaries. Despite increased awareness of large vessel (LV) involvement, studies reporting incidence, clinical characteristics and complications of large-vessel GCA (LV-GCA) show conflicting results due to inconsistent disease definitions, differences in study methodologies and the broad spectrum of clinical presentations. The aim of this systematic literature review was to better define LV-GCA based on the available literature and identify distinguishing characteristics that may differentiate LV-GCA patients from those with limited cranial disease.

Living with a frozen shoulder - a phenomenological inquiry.

Background: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is an inflammatory condition affecting the capsule of the glenohumeral joint. It is characterised by a painful restricted range of passive and active movement in all planes of motion. The impact of frozen shoulder on affected individuals remains poorly characterised.