Vasculitis Flashcards
Giant cell arteritis is a _______ and mainly affects _____
Medium/ large vessel arteritis
Mainly affects branches of ICA and ECA
What pro-inflammatory cytokines are release in GCA
IL-6 and IL-1
Visual loss in GCA arises from occlusion of which arteries?
Posterior ciliary
Central retinal
Cilioretinal artery
Risk factors for GCA
Age >50, Women
Family history
Other autoimmune conditions
Polymyalgia rheumatica
List 5 main features of GCA
Headache/ Scalp tenderness
Eyes: Visual disturbance/ pain
Jaw/ tongue claudication
Ear: hearing loss/ vertigo
List 5 signs of GCA
Bulging/ knotted artery
Reduced/ absent pulse
Asymmetrical BP of upper limbs
Visual field defects
Abnormal fundoscopy
What is the diagnostic investigation for GCA?
Temporal artery biopsy and histology
Blood test findings for GCA
Anaemia- of chronic disease
Raised CRP and ESR
May show
- Thrombocytopenia
- Elevated liver transaminase
Imaging methods for GCA
Ultrasound
- Temporal/ axillary arteries
PET/ MRA/ CTA
Acute management of a GCA attack with visual symptoms
Analgesia
IV methylprednisolone 500mg-1g for 3 days.
Long term management of GCA
Prednisolone oral
- Load and taper when symptoms resolve
Co-prescribe protection for osteoporosis
Management of resistant GCA
Methotrexate
Biologics
- Tocilizumab
List 4 complications of GCA
Aortic aneurysm
Aortic dissection
Large artery stenosis
CVD (i.e. stroke)
Management of acute GCA without visual loss
40-60mg prednisolone PO
Bechet’s disease is characterised by what triad of features?
Oral ulcers
Genital ulcers
Anterior uveitis
