Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Giant Cell Arteritis.

Jennifer K. Hall1, Laura J. Balcer

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3 E. Gates Building, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. lbalcer@mail.med.upenn.edu

Current Treatment Options in Neurology
|December 11, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

Current treatment options in neurology·2002
Same author

Optic Neuritis.

Current treatment options in neurology·2001
Same journal

Visual Impairment and Driving in Older Adults: A Narrative Review.

Current treatment options in neurology·2026
Same journal

Non-Cognitive Symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease and Their Likely Impact on Patient Outcomes. A Scoping Review.

Current treatment options in neurology·2026
Same journal

Update on the Treatment of Autonomic Disorders.

Current treatment options in neurology·2025
Same journal

Primary Progressive Aphasia Treatment: Current Treatment Options in Neurology Article Topic: Management of Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Current treatment options in neurology·2025
Same journal

Emerging Principles for Treating Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD).

Current treatment options in neurology·2025
Same journal

Diagnosis and Management of Progressive Corticobasal Syndrome.

Current treatment options in neurology·2025
See all related articles

Prompt treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) with corticosteroids is crucial. Early high-dose therapy, followed by a tailored taper, is recommended for patients with suspected GCA to prevent relapse and manage symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis affecting large and medium-sized arteries, primarily the aorta and its branches.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent irreversible complications such as vision loss and stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline current recommendations for the timely initiation and management of corticosteroid therapy in patients with suspected Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA).
  • To emphasize the urgency of treatment, especially in cases with acute visual or neurologic symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Initiation of high-dose corticosteroid therapy (intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone) for patients with acute visual or neurologic symptoms.
  • Initiation of high-dose oral prednisone for patients without acute symptoms.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Temporal artery biopsy after therapy initiation for diagnostic confirmation.
  • Adjunctive therapies including calcium, vitamin D, and peptic ulcer prophylaxis.
  • Gradual tapering of prednisone over 1 year, guided by inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) and clinical presentation.
  • Consideration of rheumatologic consultation.

    • Main Results:

    • High-dose corticosteroid therapy is the cornerstone of GCA management.
    • Intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone is recommended for GCA with acute visual/neurologic symptoms.
    • Oral prednisone is initiated for suspected GCA without acute symptoms.
    • Long-term therapy (up to 1 year) is often required to prevent relapse.
    • Treatment adjustments based on inflammatory markers and clinical signs are necessary.

    Conclusions:

    • Immediate initiation of high-dose corticosteroid therapy is critical for suspected GCA, particularly with acute visual or neurologic symptoms.
    • A structured approach to steroid tapering, guided by clinical and laboratory parameters, is essential for long-term management and relapse prevention.
    • Comprehensive management includes diagnostic confirmation, supportive therapies, and specialist consultation.