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An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
Published on: February 8, 2019
Advantages in diagnosis of giant cell arteritis by ultrasound
Joanna Wojczal1, Grzegorz Kozera2, Piotr Luchowski1
1Department of Neurology, Ultrasound Lab, Medical University of Lublin, Independent Public University Hospital, Lublin, Poland.
Insights
Giant cell arteritis, a common vasculitis affecting large arteries, causes ischemia through inflammation. Ultrasound is key for diagnosing this condition, impacting cranial nerves and major vessels.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most prevalent systemic vasculitis.
- It primarily affects large and medium-sized arteries, leading to inflammation.
- This inflammation can cause luminal occlusion, resulting in tissue ischemia and characteristic clinical symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of giant cell arteritis.
- To describe the clinical presentation of giant cell arteritis.
- To highlight the role of ultrasound in diagnosing giant cell arteritis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on epidemiology and clinical manifestations.
- Emphasis on diagnostic ultrasound techniques for giant cell arteritis.
- Analysis of affected arterial territories, including cranial and systemic vessels.
Main Results:
- GCA commonly affects cranial arteries (temporal, optic nerve) and can involve the aorta and its branches.
- Clinical manifestations are driven by ischemia secondary to arterial inflammation and stenosis.
- Ultrasound demonstrates characteristic findings indicative of GCA, aiding in diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Giant cell arteritis requires prompt diagnosis due to potential ischemic complications.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical spectrum is crucial for early detection.
- Ultrasound is an essential tool for the diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis.
Abstract:
Giant cell arteritis is the most common systemic vasculitis. It selectively affects large- and medium-sized arteries. Arterial wall inflammation leads to luminal occlusion and tissue ischemia, which cause the clinical manifestations of this vasculitis. Susceptible sites include the vascular bed of the cranial nerves and scalp including the temporal arteries, optic nerve, masseter muscles, and the posterior circulation of the central nervous system. Involvement can extend to the aorta and its primary and secondary branches, including the subclavian and axillary arteries, which leads to upper-extremity ischemia. The article presents a review of epidemiology, clinical presentation and especially ultrasound diagnostics of giant cell arteritis.
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