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[Giant-cell arteritis: a descriptive study in southwestern Spain]
J M Calvo Romero1, D Magro Ledesma, J L Ramos Salado
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Regional Universitario Infanta Cristina, Badajoz.
Anales De Medicina Interna (Madrid, Spain : 1984)
|June 1, 2000
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) in Spain presents similarly to other populations, though with more polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). GCA symptoms were more severe in patients with PMR and in females.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
- Vasculitis Research
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting large and medium-sized arteries.
- Understanding regional variations in GCA presentation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients in south-western Spain.
- To compare these features with previously reported Spanish populations.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 25 patients diagnosed with GCA via temporal artery biopsy between 1990 and 1998.
- Data collected included clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and demographic information.
Main Results:
- The study identified key GCA features: new headache (96%), fever/febricula (64%), and constitutional syndrome (64%).
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) was present in 64% of patients. Elevated ESR (>50 mm/hr) and CRP were universal.
- Females exhibited higher rates of anemia, thrombocytosis, and elevated liver enzymes compared to males.
Conclusions:
- GCA features in Extremadura, Spain, align with other Spanish cohorts, with notable exceptions of higher PMR frequency and lower jaw claudication/abnormal temporal artery rates.
- GCA severity appeared greater in patients with PMR and in female patients.