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A Strang

Giant Cell Arteritis– Who to Refer to?

Issue: 
DOI: 
10.7727/wimj.2015.177
Pages: 
300-03
Synopsis: 
Visual symptoms associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA) need immediate referral to ophthalmology. Patients without visual symptoms should be appropriately referred to rheumatology. Clinicians should be familiar with the broad spectrum of atypical presentations of GCA in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

ABSTRACT

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic immune-mediated vasculitis affecting the medium and large arteries. Typical symptoms include a new headache, jaw claudication, tender temporal artery, polymyalgia rheumatica, fever and anorexia. Visual loss resulting from GCA is an ophthalmic emergency and requires immediate assessment and referral to the ophthalmologist for prompt treatment with steroids. This article provides a systematic approach to the diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis.

Accepted: 
31 Mar, 2015
PDF Attachment: 
Journal Sections: 
e-Published: 29 Jun, 2015
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