Giant Cell Arteritis Flashcards
1
Q
What is giant cell arteritis?
A
Chronic vasculitis of large and medium vessels
2
Q
What is the age of onset?
A
> 55
median = 72
3
Q
What is the gene associated with GCA?
A
HLA DR4
4
Q
What are the symptoms?
A
New onset headache
Temporal artery tenderness
Jaw claudication
Visual symptoms
- amaurosis fugax
- blindess
- diplopia
5
Q
What is amaurosis fugax?
A
Painless temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes
6
Q
What investigations should be done in suspected GCA?
A
ESR - raised
LFTs
Temporal artery biopsy
7
Q
How is diagnosis made?
A
2 or more in patient >50
- raised ESR, CRP or PV
- new onset headache
- tenderness or decreased pulsation of temporal artery
- new visual symptoms
- biopsy showing necrotizing arteritis
8
Q
What is the management for GCA?
A
Prednisolone
Aspirin
