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Updated: Oct 14, 2025
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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Giant cell arteritis characterised by sore throat
Kiera Brigh Turner1, Jonathan Wideroff2, Lawrence Brickman3
1Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA kieraturner2019@health.fau.edu.
BMJ Case Reports
|November 3, 2021
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) can cause vision loss. Early diagnosis in polymyalgia rheumatica patients, even with unusual symptoms like sore throat, is crucial for timely corticosteroid treatment and preventing permanent vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Ophthalmology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a vasculitis associated with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment with corticosteroids are essential to prevent irreversible vision loss.
- Delayed diagnosis of GCA can lead to severe complications.
Observation:
- An 81-year-old woman with a history of PMR presented with sore throat and headache.
- Her initial presentation with atypical symptoms led to a delay in GCA diagnosis.
- Multiple healthcare providers failed to consider or evaluate for GCA.
Findings:
- The patient was ultimately diagnosed with giant cell arteritis.
- The case highlights diagnostic challenges when GCA presents with non-specific or unusual symptoms.
- Delayed evaluation contributed to a prolonged diagnostic process.
Implications:
- Physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for GCA in PMR patients, regardless of symptom presentation.
- Early and comprehensive evaluation is critical to avoid vision loss.
- Educational initiatives are needed to improve GCA recognition, especially with atypical symptoms like sore throat.
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