Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 12, 2025

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
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

7.4K

Thinking Beyond Giant Cell Arteritis in COVID-19 Times

Benjamin Wai Yin Au1, Dominic J Ku, Shivanand J Sheth

  • 1Departments of Ophthalmology (BWYA, SJS) and Otolaryngology (DJK), Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology : the Official Journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
|March 18, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with unusual symptoms like ear pain and headaches. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with these symptoms warrants COVID-19 testing, even if they mimic other conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known for multi-systemic effects.
  • This study focuses on an atypical presentation of COVID-19 involving ear and head symptoms.

Observation:

  • Two cases of COVID-19 presented with unilateral otalgia and ipsilateral pulsatile temporal headaches.
  • Patients were evaluated by otolaryngology and ophthalmology teams, initially considering giant cell arteritis (GCA).
  • Key symptoms of GCA like jaw claudication and scalp tenderness were absent.

Findings:

  • Laboratory results revealed elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) but normal platelets and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
  • Both patients tested positive for COVID-19, with one diagnosed during preoperative screening.
  • The similar presentation in both cases strengthened the association with COVID-19.

Implications:

  • These cases suggest that otalgia and pulsatile headaches can be indicative of COVID-19.
  • Elevated CRP in patients with GCA-like symptoms should prompt COVID-19 testing during the pandemic.
  • Recognizing these unusual symptoms can aid in earlier diagnosis and management of COVID-19.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia08:05

Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia

Published on: December 19, 2020

14.5K
Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-1906:29

Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19

Published on: May 25, 2022

2.5K

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis 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...
62
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
215
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
92
Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis 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...
96
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
139
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
106