giant cell arteritis Flashcards
what
systemic vasculitis of medium + large arteries
typically presents w Sx affecting arteries
aka temporal arteritis
strong link w
polymyalgia rheumaica
risk factors
white
female
over 50
key complication
vision loss
steroids started once Dx suspected to prevent this
Features: headache
severe unilateral headache around temple + forehead
scalp tenderness
jaw claudication
blurred/double vision
features: systemic symptoms
fever muscle aches fatigue weight loss Loss appetite peripheral oedema
diagnosis based on
clinicla presentation
raised ESR (50 in 1hr)
temporal artery biopsy
biopsy finding
multinucleated giant cells
initial Mx
steroids - 40-60mg prednisolone
aspirin 75mg daily decreases visual loss and strokes
PPI
Mx - what referrals to make
vascular surgeons for temporal artery biopsy
rheumatology
ophthalmology
ongoing Mx
continue high dose steroids until Sx resolve
additional measures for pt on longterm steroids: Don’t STOP
complications - early
vision loss
CVA - stroke
complications - late
relapses are common
steroid related SE/complications
CVA - stroke
aortitis
