Unilateral Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Revealing Giant Cell Arteritis: A Case Report

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is a granulomatous vasculitis that affects large and medium-sized blood vessels. While the exact etiology remains unclear, the inflammation predominantly involves the aorta and its branches, particularly the orbital arteries. Among these, the posterior ciliary arteries (PCAs), which supply the choroid, optic nerve head, and cilioretinal artery, are especially prone to involvement. Ocular manifestations of GCA occur frequently and may result in significant visual loss. Ophthalmic conditions associated with GCA include arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION), arteritic posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NIPON), choroidal ischemia, ocular ischemia syndrome, and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). Diagnosis is made based on a combination of clinical, biological, and radiological findings, along with confirmation through histopathology. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to prevent permanent visual impairment or bilateral involvement. We report a case of a 62-year-old patient admitted for sudden vision loss, diagnosed with CRAO. The clinical, biological, and histopathological examination led to the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. This study highlights the importance of early recognition and biopsy of the temporal artery for confirming the diagnosis and guiding management.