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Simultaneous bilateral angle closure glaucoma in a patient with giant cell arteritis
Thomas G Hunter1, Gabriel T Chong, Sanjay Asrani
1Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Eye Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. thomas.g.hunter@duke.edu
Journal of Glaucoma
|July 14, 2009
Summary
This case report details a patient with bilateral angle closure glaucoma, a rare condition, who was diagnosed with giant cell arteritis. This highlights a potential, previously undocumented association between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting large and medium-sized arteries.
- Ocular manifestations of GCA can be severe, including ischemic optic neuropathy and central retinal artery occlusion.
- Angle closure glaucoma is an uncommon presentation for GCA.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old patient presented with bilateral angle closure glaucoma.
- Clinical, photographic, and biopsy data were reviewed.
- The patient was diagnosed with giant cell arteritis.
Findings:
- Temporal artery biopsy revealed transmural focal scarring of the media with internal elastic lamina disruption.
- These findings were consistent with giant cell arteritis.
- The patient had bilateral angle closure glaucoma.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of giant cell arteritis presenting with bilateral acute angle closure glaucoma.
- The findings suggest a potential, previously unrecognized association between GCA and angle closure glaucoma.
- Further research is warranted to explore the pathogenesis and clinical significance of this association.
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