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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

Giant cell arteritis: A rare cause of posterior vasculitis

Marilita M Moschos1, Yan Guex-Crosier

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Athens, Greece. moschosmarilita@yahoo.fr

Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
|August 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) can cause posterior vasculitis, a condition affecting vision. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with systemic prednisolone are crucial for resolution.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Rheumatology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting large and medium-sized arteries.
  • Posterior segment ocular involvement in GCA, though less common than anterior segment, can lead to significant visual impairment.

Observation:

  • This report details three cases of subacute GCA presenting with posterior vasculitis.
  • Patients exhibited decreased vision, confirmed by ophthalmologic examination and fluorescein angiography.
  • Laboratory findings included elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Findings:

  • Temporal artery biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of GCA in all three patients.
  • Posterior vasculitis was the primary ocular manifestation in these cases.
  • Systemic prednisolone therapy led to resolution of symptoms and inflammatory markers.

Implications:

  • GCA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of posterior vasculitis, especially with elevated ESR and CRP.
  • Early recognition and treatment of GCA are vital to prevent irreversible vision loss.
  • This highlights the importance of a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation in suspected GCA cases.
Abstract

Keywords:
giant cell arteritisposterior vasculitis Horton’s diseasetemporal arteritisuveitis

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