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A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
Temporal arteritis with scalp ulceration and blindness.
Spyridon Gkalpakiotis1, Petr Arenberger, Josef Sach
1Department of Dermatovenereology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. spyros@centrum.cz
Summary
Giant cell arteritis, a vasculitis affecting arteries, can cause scalp ulcerations and vision loss. Early diagnosis of temporal arteritis is crucial to prevent irreversible blindness.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is a systemic granulomatous vasculitis affecting medium to large arteries.
- It commonly involves the temporal artery and presents with symptoms like headache, fever, elevated ESR, and anemia.
Observation:
- Scalp necrosis and ulcerations, though rare, are recognized dermatologic manifestations of GCA.
- This case highlights an 85-year-old woman with a two-month history of bilateral scalp ulcerations.
Findings:
- Delayed diagnosis of temporal arteritis in this patient led to permanent vision loss in the left eye.
- Ischemic optic neuritis is a severe complication of untreated GCA, potentially causing blindness.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering GCA in elderly patients presenting with unexplained scalp lesions and visual disturbances.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of temporal arteritis are essential to prevent devastating complications such as blindness.
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