Giant Cell Arteritis

Question 1

What is Giant Cell Arteritis?

Answer 1

A systemic immune-mediated vasculitis affecting medium-sized and large-sized arteries, particularly the aorta and its extracranial branches

Commonly occurs with polymylagia rheimatica

Question 2

What will you find on a history taking of Giant Cell Arteritis

Answer 2

Symptoms:
Headache
Temporal artery and scalp tenderness - e.g.g when brushing hair
Tongue/Jaw claudication
Painless temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes
Extra Cranial - morning stiffness, unequal/weak pulses, weight loss, lethargy, dyspnoea

Risk Factors:
Elderly
Post menopausal

Specific Questions:

Differentials:

Question 3

What investigations will you order in Giant Cell Arteritis?

Answer 3

Bloods:
ESR/CRP - Raised
FBC - Hb low and platelets raised
LFT - ALP raised

Question 4

What investigations will you order in Giant Cell Arteritis?

Answer 4

Bloods:
ESR/CRP - Raised
FBC - Hb low and platelets raised
LFT - ALP raised

Specific Investigations:
Temporal artery biopsy - Can be negative as there are skip lesions

Question 5

What is the treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis?

Answer 5

Medical:
Prednisolone - Daily
Immediate IV methyperdnisolone - if visual loss