Giant cell arteritis Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the condition that is closely associated to giant cell arteritis
A
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Onset <2 weeks
Bilateral aching and tenderness in shoulders and pelvic girdle - no muscle power loss
2
Q
Features of temporal arteritis
A
Headache Temporal artery and scalp tenderness Amaurosis fugax Unilateral sudden blindness Jaw claudication Pale optic disc in fundoscopy
3
Q
Immediate management for temporal arteritis
A
Immediately start high dose steroids: Oral prednisolone IV methylprednisolone if visual loss/amaurosis fugax Same day ophthalmology review Temporal artery biopsy within 1 week
4
Q
Long term management of GCA
A
Need prednisolone for about 2 years
Reduce prednisolone when symptoms gone and ESR in normal range
5
Q
Blood result abnormalities in GCA
A
High CRP and ESR
High platelets
High ALP
Low Hb
6
Q
Management for polymyalgia rheumatica
A
Oral prednisolone
If not a dramatic improvement within 1 week rethink diagnosis
Most need steroids for >2 years so give bone protection (Ca supplements and bisphosphonate)
