Large Cell Vasculitis Flashcards
what is it
granulomatous infiltration of the walls of large vessels
what are the two causes
takayasu arteritis (TA) giant cell arteritis (GCA)
what is TA and who is it more common in
granulomatous inflammation of the aorta and its major branches
<40 years, females, asian population
what is GCA and who is it more common in
typically causes temporal arteritis but aorta and other large vessels may be affected
>50
what are symptoms
bruit (most common = carotid artery)
blood pressure difference of extremities
claudication
how is it diagnosis
bloods = ESR, plasma viscosity and CRP raised
temporal artery biopsy (remembers skip lesions occur so biopsy may be negative)
MR angiogram or PET CT
how is it treated
40-60mg prednisolone (18-24 months)
steroid sparing agents (immunosuppression) may be considered