Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
06:35

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis

Published on: February 8, 2019

Masked giant cell arteritis

Peter Pak Moon Cheung1, Griffith Richards

  • 1Institute of Rheumatology and Orthopaedics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales. cheungppm@yahoo.com.au

Australian Family Physician
|November 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), a common vasculitis, can present subtly with anemia and weight loss. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent severe complications, emphasizing GCA as a key differential diagnosis in the elderly.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most prevalent vasculitis in Western countries.
  • GCA diagnosis can be challenging for general practitioners, necessitating prompt identification to avoid irreversible complications.

Observation:

  • This article details a case of GCA presenting with mild anemia, unexplained weight loss, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
  • The patient's symptoms mimicked other common elderly conditions, highlighting a diagnostic challenge.

Findings:

  • The case underscores that anemia can be a primary presenting feature of GCA, even when other typical symptoms are absent.
  • Elevated inflammatory markers, such as ESR, were significant indicators in this patient.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should consider GCA in the differential diagnosis for elderly patients presenting with anemia and elevated inflammatory markers, even without classic GCA symptoms.
  • Recognizing 'masked GCA' presentations is vital for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Mouse Models for Graft Arteriosclerosis07:37

Mouse Models for Graft Arteriosclerosis

Published on: May 14, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS01:11

Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS

Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction01:12

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...