Giant Cell Arteritis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is a type of vasculitis that affects the medium to large arteries, particularly those in the head. It is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the arteries (called the intima), which can lead to significant complications if not promptly treated.

Headaches: Often severe and localized, especially around the temples.
Scalp Tenderness: Pain or sensitivity in the scalp, particularly over the temples.
Vision Changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or sudden loss of vision (ophthalmic artery involvement).
Jaw Pain: Pain when chewing or talking (jaw claudication).

Causes and Risk Factors: The exact cause of GCA is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an abnormal immune response leading to inflammation of the arteries. Age is a significant risk factor, with GCA typically affecting adults over 50, and it is more common in women than men.

Diagnosis: Diagnosing GCA involves a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests to check for markers of inflammation (e.g., erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein), and imaging studies such as ultrasound or angiography to assess arterial involvement. A temporal artery biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment: Early and aggressive treatment is crucial to prevent complications such as blindness and stroke. Treatment typically involves high-dose corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) to quickly suppress inflammation. Depending on the severity and response to initial therapy, corticosteroids may be tapered gradually over several months to years.