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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
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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Predictors of Permanent Vision Loss in Giant Cell Arteritis.
Susan M Tucker1,2,3, Sara J Haas1, Tasneem Zaihra Rizvi2,3
1Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Peabody, Massachusetts, USA.
Neuro-Ophthalmology (Aeolus Press)
|September 8, 2025
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) frequently causes severe vision loss, with older age, jaw claudication, and diplopia being key predictors. Lower CRP levels and absence of polymyalgia rheumatica increase the risk of permanent vision loss in GCA patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis that can lead to irreversible vision loss.
- Ocular manifestations in GCA are common but detailed data on predictors of permanent vision loss (PVL) are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of ocular manifestations in GCA patients.
- To identify predictors of permanent vision loss (PVL) in patients diagnosed with GCA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 258 GCA patients over 20 years.
- Multivariate analysis to determine predictors of PVL, including age, symptoms, platelet count, CRP, and presence of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and headache.
Main Results:
- 34.5% of GCA patients experienced vision symptoms, and 21.7% developed PVL.
- Predictors of PVL included older age, jaw claudication, diplopia, elevated platelets, and lower C-reactive protein (CRP).
- PVL was more likely in the absence of PMR and headaches; a doubled CRP value decreased PVL odds by 27.3%.
Conclusions:
- Ocular involvement in GCA is common and often severe, with limited recovery potential.
- Older patients with specific symptoms and laboratory findings are at higher risk for PVL.
- Early recognition and management are crucial to mitigate vision loss in GCA.
Keywords:
C-reactive proteinPermanent vision lossgiant cell arteritisischemic optic neuropathytemporal artery biopsyMore Related Videos
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