giant cell arteritis Flashcards
1
Q
definition
A
transmural inflammation of temporal artery as well as patchy infiltration by lymphocytes, macrophages and giant cells, vessel wall thickening ensues causing ischaemia
2
Q
presentation
A
- headache
- scalp tenderness
- visible enlarged non-pulsatile temporal artery
- jaw claudication: due to ischaemia of maxillary artery
- loss of vision ‘ like a black curtain’ correct term is amaurosis fugal
3
Q
gold standard investigation
A
temporal artery biopsy
4
Q
other investigations
A
raised ESR, CRP and PV
5
Q
treatment
A
do not wait for biopsy results start steroids straight away
- 40mg prednisolone if there is only a headache
- 60mg prednisolone if ANY OPHTHALMIC INVOLVEMENT
