TABLE 7.

Definitions of disease activity (16).

Major relapse	Recurrence of active disease with either of the following: a. Clinical features of ischemia (jaw claudication, visual symptoms, visual loss attributable to GCA, scalp necrosis, stroke, limb claudication) b. Evidence of active aortic inflammation resulting in progressive aortic or large vessel dilatation, stenosis, or dissection
Minor relapse	All patients suffering a relapse without the characteristics of a major relapse (constitutional symptoms, polymyalgia, and headache)
Refractory disease	Active disease despite the use of standard care therapy
Remission	Absence of all clinical signs and symptoms attributable to active GCA Normalization of ESR and CRP No evidence of progressive vessel narrowing or dilatation for patients with large vessel involvement