Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 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

[Pericarditis as the presenting manifestation of giant cell arteritis]

G Moulis1, L Sailler, L Astudillo

  • 1Salle Le-Tallec, service de médecine interne, université Paul-Sabatier, CHU de Toulouse-Purpan, place du Docteur-Baylac, TSA 40031, Toulouse cedex, France.

La Revue De Medecine Interne
|November 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Giant cell arteritis can present as pericarditis in elderly patients. Prompt corticosteroid treatment is crucial for managing this rare presentation and preventing complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Pericarditis is an uncommon initial symptom of giant cell arteritis.
  • This report details two cases of elderly patients presenting with pericarditis as the primary manifestation.

Observation:

  • Two elderly patients presented with acute chest pain and echocardiographic evidence of pericarditis.
  • Both patients exhibited elevated acute phase reactants and cephalic symptoms suggestive of giant cell arteritis.
  • Temporal artery biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis in both cases.

Findings:

  • Treatment with oral prednisone (20mg/day) resulted in complete remission of pericarditis.
  • No clinical relapse of pericarditis was observed during one and three-year follow-ups.
  • Corticosteroid therapy for giant cell arteritis did not lead to severe pericarditis complications.

Implications:

  • Giant cell arteritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pericarditis in elderly individuals.
  • Early corticosteroid intervention is vital to prevent ischemic complications associated with giant cell arteritis.
  • This highlights the importance of recognizing rare presentations of giant cell arteritis for timely and effective management.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
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...
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management01:25

Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management

Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...