Giant Cell Arteritis Flashcards
What is giant cell arteritis also called?
Temporal arteritis
What is GCA?
GCA is a systemic vasculitis that affets medium to large sized arteries
Where does GCA typically affect?
The temporal arteries
What age patients does GCA typically affect?
Over 50s
Incidence peaks in 70s
What is the presentation of GCA?
Scalp tenderness
Temporal headache
Jaw claudication
Blurred or double vision
What are the complications of GCA?
Vision loss
Stroke
Relapse
Steroid side effects
What are the differentials of GCA?
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Takayusu’s arteritis
Chronic infection
Rheumatoid arthritis
Amyloidosis
What are the first line investigations for GCA?
CRP/ESR -
LFTs - raised ALP
FBC - normocytic anaemia
What is the definitive investigation for diagnosis of GCA and what is seen?
Temporal artery biopsy - skip lesions and multinucleate cells
What is the first line management of GCA?
Immediate high dose oral prednisolone
What other medications may be started in the treatment of GCA?
Aspirin
PPI for gastric protection
What medication is give if there is evolving visual loss with the temporal arteritis?
IV methylprednisolone
