Large Vessel Vasculitis

Question 1

Which two conditions cause inflammation of large vessels.

Answer 1

1. Giant cell arteritis
2. Takayasu Arteritis

Question 2

Typical GCA patient

Answer 2

Woman over 70, with history of PMR.

Question 3

Typical Takayasu Patient

Answer 3

Japanese Woman under 40.

Question 4

Takayasu presentation

Answer 4

weakness, Pain and paraesthesia in both arms.

Question 5

Takayasu examination findings

Answer 5

Weak pulse, Radial-radial delay, Unequal blood pressure in both arms.

Question 6

Takayasu Investigation findings

Answer 6

raised ESR.

Question 7

Takayasu pathophysiology

Answer 7

Inflammation of aortic branches.

Question 8

GCA Presentation

Answer 8

Unilateral headache, jaw claudication, visual disturbances. Can looks similar to stroke.

Question 9

GCA Investigations

Answer 9

ESR, CRP, PV
Temporal artery biopsy. (After initiating treatment)

Question 10

Treatment

Answer 10

1. 60-100mg Prednisolone (oral 2 weeks)
2. 1g IV Methylprednisolone (IV pulse therapy 3d)
3. Aspirin 75mg.