Temporal Arteritis Flashcards
What is another term for temporal arteritis?
Giant cell arteritis (GCA)
What is temporal arteritis?
It is defined as a systemic vasculitis of medium and large arteries
It is a medical emergency, which requires prompt management in order to minimise complication risk – permanent vision loss
Which two arteries tend to be affected in temporal arteritis?
Extracranial branches the carotid artery
Ophthalmic artery
What are the four risk factors of temporal arteritis?
Older Age > 50 Years Old
Female Gender
White Race
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
What are the nine clincial features of temporal arteritis?
Severe Unilateral Temporal Headache
Scalp Tenderness
Jaw Claudication
Painless Vision Loss
Diplopia
Proximal Muscle Aches
Peripheral Oedema
Weight Loss
Reduced Temporal Artery Pulse
What is a red flag of temporal arteritis?
Scalp tenderness
What are the two situation in which scalp tenderness occurs in temporal arteritis?
Brushing hair
Resting head on pillow
What are the two situation in which jaw claudication occurs in temporal arteritis?
Talking
Chewing
What is the cause of visual clinical features in temporal arteritis?
Anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy
Specifically, there is occlusion of the posterior ciliary artery, which is a branch of the ophthalmic artery
What are the four investigations used to diagnose temporal arteritis?
Fundoscopy
Blood Tests
Ultrasound Scan
Temporal Artery Biopsy
What are the two features of temporal arteritis on fundoscopy?
Swollen Pale Optic Disc
Blurred Optic Disc Margins
What are the seven blood test results that indicate temporal arteritis?
Decreased RBC Levels
Normal MCV Size
Increased Platelet Levels
Increased ESR Levels > 50
Increased CRP Levels
Increased ALP Levels
Increased ALT Levels
What is a feature of temporal arteritis on ultrasound scans?
Halo sign
What is the halo sign?
It is defined as thickening of the affected blood vessel wall
What is the gold standard investigation used to diagnose temporal arteritis?
Temporal artery biopsy