Giant Cell Arthritis Flashcards
What is Giant Cell Arteritis also known as?
Temporal Arteritis
GCA is what?
Type of systemic vasculitis affecting medium and large arteries. Strong link with polymyalgia rheumatica
Complication of Giant Cell Arteritis
Vision loss
Presentation of Giant Cell Arteritis
Scalp Tenderness
Jaw Claudication
Blurred/Double Vision
Possible symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica
systemic symptoms
Carpal tunnel possible
Diagnosing GCA
Clinical Presentation
Raised inflammatory markers eg ESR
Temporal artery biopsy: multinucleated giant cells
Duplex Ultrasound eg halo and stenosis of temporal artery
Treating GCA
Steroids - Pred if no visual symptoms
Methylpred if visual symptoms or jaw claudication
Should also use PPI for gastroprotection while on steroids