Temporal arteritis Giant Cell Arteritis

Temporal arteritis
  • Facts:
    Subacute granulomatous inflammation of the large vessels (aorta, external carotid, and vertebral arteries)
  • History / PE:
    Scalp pain
    Jaw claudication
    Temporal tenderness
    Fever, weight loss
    Permanent monocular blindness
    Myalgias/arthralgias
  • Diagnosis:
    ESR > 50
    Temporal artery biopsy
    Ophthalmologic evaluation
  • Treatment:
    High dose prednisone
  • Complications:
    Blindness from central artery occlusion
    Aortic aneurysm (follow with serial CXRs)
  • Associated With:
    Polymyalgia rheumatica



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August 5th 2010