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Severe anemia as the presenting manifestation of giant cell arteritis
L M Weiss1, E Gonzalez, S B Miller
1Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
Insights
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) can present atypically with severe anemia. Prompt corticosteroid treatment resolved anemia and weight loss in two biopsy-proven GCA patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal or cranial arteritis, is typically diagnosed based on classic clinical symptoms.
- Atypical presentations of GCA can lead to delayed diagnosis and prolonged patient evaluation.
Observation:
- Severe anemia is an uncommon initial manifestation of GCA.
- Two patients with biopsy-proven GCA presented with severe anemia and significant weight loss.
Findings:
- The anemia and weight loss in these GCA patients were successfully treated with corticosteroid therapy.
- This suggests a potential link between severe anemia and GCA, even in atypical cases.
Implications:
- Recognizing severe anemia as a potential GCA symptom may expedite diagnosis in patients with atypical features.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of GCA can prevent serious complications associated with the condition.
Abstract:
Giant cell (temporal, cranial) arteritis (GCA) is usually confirmed in patients presenting with classic features. Those who present with atypical features often undergo prolonged evaluations until a diagnosis is established. Severe anemia as an initial manifestation of GCA has rarely been described. We describe herein 2 patients with biopsy-proven GCA who presented with severe anemia and significant weight loss, which corrected after corticosteroid therapy.