Giant cell arteritis involves predominantly the thoracic aorta, large arteries emerging from the aorta in the neck, and extracranial branches of the carotid arteries. Simultaneous polymyalgia rheumatica is common. Symptoms and signs may include headaches, visual disturbances, temporal artery tenderness, and pain in the jaw muscles during chewing. Fever, weight loss, malaise, and fatigue are also common. ESR and C-reactive protein are typically elevated. Treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and aspirin is usually effective and prevents vision loss.
BILATERAL TEMPORAL ARTERY BIOPSY - used to help confirm the clinical diagnosis.
PETE GARCIA M.D.
GENERAL VASCULAR
&
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY
Board Certified & Practicing Medicine for Over 20 Years
