giant cell arteritis / temporal arteritis

Question 1

how can giant cell arteritis be diagnosed

Answer 1

if 3 of the following are present:

new onset headache often temportal

abnormality with temporal artery(decr pulsation and or tenderness)

esr>50

abnormal artery biopsy

age >50

Question 2

signs and symptoms of giant cell arteritis

Answer 2

medical emergency!
if left untreated can lead to blindness in 20-25%

new onset headache and scalp tenderness

sudden painLESS loss of vision

aortic aneurysm (aortic arch syndrome)

Constitutional symptoms as well

Question 3

treatment of temporal arteritis

Answer 3

Immediately on suspicion prednisolone high dose