[Ischaemic necrosis of the tongue due to temporal arteritis]

An 85-year-old woman was admitted to hospital due to newly onset of atrial flutter and fever. Biochemical workup showed elevated infection parameters. Empirical antibiotic treatment was initiated without convincing effect. The patient complained of tongue pain and decreased unilateral vision. Inspection showed white discolouration and necrosis of the left tongue margin. The patient was treated with high-dose steroid, and a temporal artery biopsy was performed. Histology showed giant cell arteritis. The patient responded to steroid treatment and was in progress at outpatient assessment.