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
Published on: February 8, 2019
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.
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.
More Related Videos
08:05Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia
Published on: December 19, 2020
06:29Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19
Published on: May 25, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis I: Introduction