Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) Flashcards
1
Q
What is Giant Cell Arteritis?
A
An inflammatory disease of blood vessels.
Most common form of vasculitis that occurs in adults.
2
Q
Who population is at high risk of suffering from GCA?
A
GCA should be considered in any patient over 50 Years with a headache.
3
Q
What are the characteristics of a headache caused by GCA? (4)
A
- Usually Sides of Head
- Diffuse
- Persistent
- Severe!
4
Q
What are the signs characteristic of GCA?
A
- Sides of head
- Enlarged Arteries
- Nausea
- Neck Stiffness
- Scalp Tenderness (sore to comb hair)
- JAW CLAUDICATION
- Visual Disturbance (may progress to blindness)
5
Q
What are some blood results that can confirm a diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis?
A
- Raised ESR
- Raised CRP
- Raised Platelet Count
6
Q
What special investigations can we conduct for GCA?
A
Temporal Artery BIOPSY
7
Q
What is the first-line treatment from GCA? (all you need to know at medical school level)
A
Prednisolone
