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Updated: Jul 3, 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
Reversible visual loss in biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis
Sunita Sawangsribanterng1, Worapot Srimanan2
1Division of Ophthalmology, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
BMJ Case Reports
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Prompt diagnosis and emergent treatment of giant cell arteritis can lead to significant visual recovery, even in cases of severe, evolving vision loss with optic disc edema. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing this condition early.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis that can cause irreversible vision loss.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent visual impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of severe, evolving visual loss due to GCA.
- To highlight the potential for visual recovery with emergent treatment.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a male patient in his late 60s with visual loss.
- Systematic review of symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging.
- Temporal artery biopsy for diagnosis.
- Treatment with intravenous and oral corticosteroids.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with transient monocular visual loss, progressing to severe vision loss and optic disc edema.
- Diagnosis of GCA was confirmed by temporal artery biopsy.
- Treatment with methylprednisolone and prednisolone resulted in substantial visual recovery (20/63).
Conclusions:
- Severe visual loss and optic disc edema in GCA can be partially reversible.
- Emergent recognition and treatment are critical for visual salvage in GCA.
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