Giant Cell Arteritis Flashcards
What is another name for giant cell arteritis.
Temporal arteritis.
What is giant cell arteritis.
Systemic inflammatory vasculitis of unknown aetiology that affects medium and large sized arteries.
Who tends to be affected by giant cell arteritis. (2)
Mostly those aged over 50.
Women are more affected than women.
What are the symptoms of giant cell arteritis. (12)
Headache. Malaise. Temporal artery and scalp tenderness (eg when combing hair). Amaurosis fugax. Transient visual disturbance. Sudden blindness (typically in one eye). Fever. Lethargy. Jaw claudication.
Extra-cranial:
Dyspnoea.
Morning stiffness.
Unequal or weak pulses.
What are the physical signs of giant cell arteritis. (2)
Tender, non-pulsatile temporal arteries.
Proximal muscle tenderness.
What are the investigations that should be carried out in giant cell arteritis. (2)
Bloods.
Temporal artery biopsy.
What are the complications of giant cell arteritis. (3)
Irreversible bilateral visual loss.
Aortitis.
Aortic dissection/aneurysm.
What is the treatment for giant cell arteritis.
Corticosteroids (prednisolone immediately). (do not want for biopsy results).
What is typically seen on the blood results of a patient with GCA. (4)
Raised ESR/CRP.
Raised platelets.
Raised alkaline phosphate.
Low Hb.
When should you get a temporal artery biopsy in a patient with GCA.
Within 7 days of starting steroids.
What is the prognosis of a patient with GCA.
Typically a 2 year course, then complete remission.
When should you stop prednisolone in a patient with GCA.
Once the symptoms have resolved and ESR has gone down.
Increase dose if symptoms recur.
What is the main cause of death in patients with GCA.
Is long term steroid treatment.
What should you give a patient being treated with steroids for GCA. (2)
Bone and gastric protection. (PPI and bisphosphonate).
