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An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
Published on: February 8, 2019
[A new approach towards giant cell arteritis]
Iwona Obuchowska1, Zofia Mariak
1Kliniki Okulistyki Akademii Medycznej w Białymstoku.
Insights
Giant cell arteritis, a rare vasculitis, can cause severe vision loss. Early diagnosis and high-dose corticosteroid treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible blindness.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Ophthalmology
- Pathology
Context:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis affecting large and medium arteries, primarily in the elderly.
- Characterized by inflammation and giant cell formation within vessel walls, GCA can lead to ischemic complications.
- Ocular involvement is frequent, ranging from 14-88%, with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy being a common severe complication.
Purpose:
- To review established knowledge on giant cell arteritis.
- To highlight recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of GCA.
- To emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment in preventing vision loss.
Summary:
- Giant cell arteritis presents with focal arterial lesions and can cause diverse systemic, neurological, and ophthalmic issues due to ischemia.
- Ocular complications include anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, central retinal artery occlusion, and various other conditions affecting the eye.
- Prompt diagnosis and high-dose corticosteroid therapy are vital to avert ocular damage and preserve vision.
Impact:
- Early intervention in giant cell arteritis can prevent permanent visual impairment.
- This review aims to improve clinical practice by consolidating current understanding and recent developments.
- Highlights the critical role of timely management in mitigating the severe consequences of GCA on vision.
Abstract:
Giant cell arteritis is a rare systemic vasculitis affecting large- and medium-sized arteries. Focal arteries lesions, include mononuclear cells infiltration of the vessel wall with giant cell formation. It is a disease of elderly persons and can result in a wide variety of systemic, neurological and ophthalmic complications, due to ischemia. The incidence of visual loss and ocular involvement varies between 14-88%, but one of the most common and severe complications is anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. The other ocular ischemic lesions include: central retinal artery occlusion, choroidal ischemia, diplopia, ocular motor paresis, anterior uveitis, cataract, ocular hypotony, corneal oedema and ulcerations, episcleritis and anterior scleritis, orbital cellulitis and pseudotumor. Because giant cell arteritis is potentially blinding disease, early diagnosis and immediate treatment with high dose corticosteroids may prevent further damage to the affected eye and prevent visual loss in the opposite eye. The purpose of this review is to revise established knowledge and to highlight the recent developments in diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis.
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