Vasculitis Syndromes

Which of the following vasculitides is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of medium and large arteries with a predilection for the aorta and its branches?

A 72-year-old woman with a 3-month history of headache, jaw claudication, and visual symptoms is found to have elevated ESR (95 mm/h) and temporal artery biopsy showing granulomatous inflammation with giant cells. Which of the following is NOT true regarding giant cell (temporal) arteritis (GCA)?

A 58-year-old man from Delhi presents with a 3-week history of fever, malaise, and progressive headache. Examination reveals temporal artery tenderness and jaw claudication. ESR is 92 mm/h and CRP is elevated. Temporal artery ultrasound shows a halo sign. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 42-year-old woman from Mumbai presents with a 6-week history of fever, arthralgia, and a palpable purpura rash on the lower extremities and buttocks. Urinalysis shows hematuria and mild proteinuria. Serum creatinine is 1.2 mg/dL. Skin biopsy shows IgA-dominant immune complex deposition. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 35-year-old woman from rural India presents with progressive dyspnea, chest pain, and signs of aortic regurgitation. Angiography shows narrowing of the aorta and its major branches with a 'skip lesion' pattern. Which is the most common site of initial vascular involvement in this condition?