Giant cell arteritis (GCA), is an inflammatory vasculitis that involves large- and mediumsized arteries, most commonly the cranial branches of the carotid artery.1 It is seen in individuals 50 years and older.1 The most typical manifestation is new-onset headache with scalp tenderness and jaw claudication. 2 The most feared complication associated with GCA is permanent…
Vision loss, implications of treatment and more—Sarah Mackie, BMBCh, PhD, MRCP, discussed the latest research on the evaluation and management of giant cell arteritis.
Patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) or peripheral arthritis may require extra vigilance during treatment because of a suspected link to giant cell arteritis (GCA) and, potentially, permanent vision loss. “Development of giant cell arteritis after treating polymyalgia or peripheral arthritis: a retrospective case-control study,” a March 2018 study published in The Journal of Rheumatology, suggests…