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Published on: February 8, 2019
Giant Cell Arteritis: A Case-Based Narrative Review of the Literature
Davis C Thomas1, Prisly Thomas2, Deep P Pillai2
1Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA. davisct1@gmail.com.
Insights
Giant cell arteritis (GCA), an inflammatory condition affecting large arteries, can cause headache and facial pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss and other complications.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic inflammatory vasculitis affecting medium and large arteries.
- It commonly presents with symptoms such as headache and facial pain, potentially leading to serious complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Giant cell arteritis (GCA) in the context of headache and facial pain.
- To highlight the importance of understanding GCA's etiology, pathophysiology, associated conditions, and differential diagnoses for effective management.
Main Methods:
- This narrative review synthesizes information from a case presentation and current medical literature.
- Focuses on clinical presentation, diagnostic considerations, and management strategies for GCA.
Main Results:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) should be considered in patients with unilateral facial/head pain and visual disturbances.
- GCA is associated with comorbid conditions, including COVID-19 infection.
- Prompt identification of the affected artery and treatment are essential to prevent permanent visual loss and other complications.
Conclusions:
- An interdisciplinary approach is strongly recommended for managing Giant cell arteritis (GCA).
- Early recognition and intervention are critical to mitigate the severe consequences of GCA.
Purpose Of Review:
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic, inflammatory condition, primarily affecting the medium and larger arteries. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe GCA in the context of headache and facial pain, based on a case and the available current literature. Understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, the associated conditions, and the differential diagnoses is important in managing GCA.
Recent Findings:
In a patient presenting with unilateral facial/head pain with disturbances of vision, GCA should be considered in the differential diagnosis. There is an association of GCA with several comorbid conditions, and infections including coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection. Management of GCA primarily depends upon the identification of the affected artery and prompt treatment. Permanent visual loss and other serious complications are associated with GCA. GCA is characterized by robust inflammation of large- and medium-sized arteries and marked elevation of systemic mediators of inflammation. An interdisciplinary approach of management involving the pertinent specialties is strongly recommended.
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