Giant Cell Arteritis

Vascular

Overview

Definition

Systemic inflammatory vasculitis of large and medium arteries.

Epidemiology

Varies globally. Often age and lifestyle dependent.

Etiology & Risk Factors

  • Autoimmune.

Clinical Symptoms

  • Headache
  • jaw claudication
  • visual changes
  • scalp tenderness.

Clinical Approach

Diagnosis

  • High ESR
  • Temporal artery biopsy.

Management

  • Immediate high-dose Corticosteroids.

Complications

  • Irreversible blindness.