Polyrheumatica/Giant Cell Arteritis Flashcards
1
Q
What is giant cell or temporal arteritis?
A
autoimmune vasculitis. medium to large sized vessels. can occur in sections. extracranial branches of carotid common.
2
Q
signs of GCA?
A
tender or nodular pulseless vessel. unlateral HA
HA frontal. vertex, or occipital area. on occassion. MAINLY TEMPORAL.
sudden loss of vision usually permananet.
older adult may hae resp tract signs of cough, sore thraot ,hoarseness, mental status changes, jaw claud, change in vision.
3
Q
tx GCA?
A
high dose systemic corticosteroid. predinisone 1-2 mg/kg per day. x6mo - 2years. taper
4
Q
Other meds to adjunct tx?
A
PPI
ca /vitm D
ASA
costicosteroid sparing drugs - methotrexate, cyclospporine, azathioprine.
5
Q
diagnostic GCA?
A
aterial biopst.
CRP
ESR
