Giant cell arteritis Flashcards
1
Q
What is giant cell arteritis?
A
Temporal arteritis is large vessel vasculitis
2
Q
What is seen on histology?
A
‘skip lesions’ on artery
3
Q
Average age?
A
typically patient > 60 years old
4
Q
Onset?
A
usually rapid onset (e.g. < 1 month)
5
Q
Features of attack
A
headache (found in 85%)
1. jaw claudication (65%)
- visual disturbances secondary to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
- tender, palpable temporal artery
6
Q
Ix
A
raised inflammatory markers: ESR > 50 mm/hr (
7
Q
Tx
A
high-dose prednisolone - there should be a dramatic response, if not the diagnosis should be reconsidered
8
Q
When should urgent opthamologist appointment be done?
A
Patients with visual symptoms should be seen the same-day by an ophthalmologist. Visual damage is often irreversible
