Giant Cell Arteritis

Question 1

What is a key complication of giant cell arteritis?

Answer 1

Vision loss

Question 2

Symptoms of Giant cell arteritis? (Any 3)

Answer 2

Severe unilateral headache

Scalp tenderness

Jaw claudication

Blurred or double vision

Sudden painless irreversible sight loss

Question 3

What blood test can be done which alongside 2 other criteria can confirm a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis?

Answer 3

ESR

Question 4

What 3 factors together can confirm a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis?

Answer 4

Clinical presentation

Raised ESR

Temporal artery biopsy findings

Question 5

In temporal giant cell arteritis, what sign is seen on duplex ultrasound of the temporal artery?

Answer 5

Hypoechoic

Question 6

What is the initial management of giant cell arteritis?

Answer 6

Methylprednisolone IV if visual symptoms

Prednisolone orally if no visual symptoms

Question 7

Other than steroids, what two other medications can be given alongside steroids in giant cell arteritis?

Answer 7

Aspirin

PPI