Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
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
Headache and temporal arteritis: when to suspect and how to manage
1Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Jefferson Headache Center, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5092, USA. stephanie.nahas@jefferson.edu
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|May 4, 2012
Summary
Giant cell arteritis, a vasculitis affecting cranial arteries, requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe complications. While corticosteroids are standard, alternative treatments are being explored due to potential side effects.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA), or temporal arteritis, is a vasculitis impacting large and medium cranial arteries.
- Clinical presentation varies, often including headache, constitutional symptoms, jaw claudication, and visual disturbances, necessitating high clinical suspicion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in managing GCA.
- To highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to mitigate severe morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches for GCA.
- Discussion of current treatment strategies, primarily corticosteroids, and the need for alternatives.
Main Results:
- Temporal artery biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, though noninvasive methods are advancing.
- Corticosteroids are the primary treatment but have limitations including toxicity and intolerance.
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of GCA are critical to prevent devastating outcomes.
- The limitations of corticosteroid therapy underscore the need for ongoing research into alternative treatments for GCA.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
01:25Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...