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Updated: Mar 19, 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
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Case Study: Giant Cell Arteritis with Vertebral Artery Stenosis.
R Daniel Chomlak1, Farshad Ghazanfari1, Mineesh Datta1
1Box Hill Hospital, Box Hill, VIC, Australia.
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) rarely affects vertebral arteries, but this case highlights potential bilateral narrowing. Early GCA diagnosis is crucial for managing this rare but serious complication.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis predominantly affecting large and medium-sized arteries.
- Vertebral artery involvement in GCA is uncommon, with ischemic events reported in only 3-4% of affected patients.
- Cranial nerve palsies and ischemic events are common manifestations of GCA, but vertebral artery complications are rare.
Observation:
- A patient presented with acute vertigo and transient, side-alternating upper limb neurological deficits.
- Initial vascular imaging revealed no abnormalities.
- Confirmation of GCA via temporal artery biopsy preceded the re-evaluation of initial scans.
Findings:
- Bilateral vertebral artery stenosis was identified retrospectively after GCA diagnosis.
- This case underscores the diagnostic challenges in rare GCA presentations.
Implications:
- Vertebral artery involvement in GCA, though rare, carries a high mortality risk.
- Prompt recognition and management of GCA are vital, even with atypical symptoms.
- Consideration of GCA in patients with unexplained neurological events and vascular findings is essential.
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