Giant Cell Arteritis Flashcards
1
Q
What are the clinical features of giant cell arteritis?
A
LOCATION : Temporal
PAIN : ?achy
OTHER SYMPTOMS : Myalgia, fever, malaise, jaw claudication, diplopia, scalp tenderness, blindness (20%)
DURATION : Varies
2
Q
What are the risk factors for giant cell arteritis?
A
Age 50+, female
Weaker risk factors : genetics, smoking, atherosclerosis, environmental factors
3
Q
What investigations should be carried out for giant cell arteritis?
A
ESR (>49 mm/hour), CRP (elevated), FBC (normocytic normochromic anaemia, elevated platelets), LFTs (liver enzymes may be elevated), temporal artery USS and biopsy
4
Q
How do you treat a patient with giant cell arteritis?
A
Prednisolone
Consider aspirin and osteoporosis prevention
