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Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also called temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of large blood vessels. [ 4 ] [ 7 ] Symptoms may include headache , pain over the temples, flu-like symptoms , double vision , and difficulty opening the mouth. [ 3 ]
Giant cell arteritis is most prevalent in older individuals, with the rate of disease being seen to increase from age 50. Women are 2–3 times more likely to develop the disease than men. Northern Europeans have been observed to have a higher incidence of giant cell arteritis compared to southern European, Hispanic, and Asian populations.
Giant cell arteritis contains two different types of arteritides that are almost indistinguishable from one another. [2] It includes two types, temporal arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. Both types contain an occupancy of medium- and larger-sized arteries which are categorized based on the infiltration of the giant cells. [2]
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common type of systemic vasculitis in adults. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), headache, jaw claudication, and visual symptoms are the classic manifestations; however, 40% of patients present with a variety of occult manifestations. [9]
Sudden visual loss is the most common symptom in AAION, [1] and is most often accompanied by other symptoms of temporal arteritis: such as jaw claudication, scalp tenderness, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, myalgias and loss of appetite. [1] A related disease called polymyalgia rheumatica has a 15 percent incidence of giant cell arteritis.
People who have polymyalgia rheumatica may also have temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis), an inflammation of blood vessels in the face which can cause blindness if not treated quickly. [3] The pain and stiffness can result in a lowered quality of life, and can lead to depression. [1]
Giant cell arteritis should be considered in an older person with jaw claudication, temporal pain, and tiredness. [8] Placing the person on steroids might save both their vision and decrease their risk of stroke. [9] Without treatment a person can quickly go blind in both eyes. [10]
Tocilizumab, sold under the brand name Actemra among others, is an immunosuppressive drug, used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, giant cell arteritis, cytokine release syndrome, COVID‑19, and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD).