Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 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
7.3K
Update on the Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Sarah El Chami1, Jason M Springer2
1The University of Kansas Health System, 4000 Cambridge Street, MS 2026, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America
|April 11, 2022
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are closely related conditions. Recent advances improve diagnosis and treatment, focusing on GCA diagnostics, phenotypes, aortic screening, and evolving steroid-sparing agents for both diseases.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology and Internal Medicine
- Vasculitis and Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are often viewed as a spectrum of related vasculitic diseases.
- Both conditions share underlying similarities, necessitating a unified approach to their management.
- Recent years have seen significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment strategies for GCA and PMR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current diagnostic modalities for GCA.
- To explore the clinical phenotypes and aortic involvement screening in GCA.
- To discuss established and emerging therapeutic options, including steroid-sparing agents, for both GCA and PMR.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of diagnostic techniques for GCA.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and imaging for aortic screening.
- Evaluation of treatment guidelines and recent studies on GCA and PMR management.
Main Results:
- GCA diagnosis benefits from diverse modalities, including imaging and biopsy.
- Clinical phenotypes vary, and screening for aortic complications is crucial.
- Traditional treatments are evolving with the introduction of effective steroid-sparing agents.
Conclusions:
- Integrated diagnostic and management strategies are essential for GCA and PMR.
- Advances in diagnostics and therapeutics offer improved patient outcomes.
- Steroid-sparing agents represent a significant development in managing these spectrum diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
2.0K
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
2.0K
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
46
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
46
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
26
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...
26
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
248
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab...
248
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
42
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
42
01:26Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
270
Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are two critical categories of drugs employed in the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). PAH is a disease that causes high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, resulting in chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
270