Giant cell arteritis (briefly)

Giant-cell (temporal) vasculitis is a vasculitis of an unknown origin affecting a. carotis externa and interna in individuals over 50 years, more women.

Clinical picture

 * gradual development of general symptoms - weakness, fever, weight loss
 * headaches, vision disorders, maxillary claudication
 * attenuation of heart rate + palpation sensitivity/redness of palpable nodules at temporal arteries
 * peripheral polyneuropathy may also occur within the disease, mononeuritis multiplex

Treatment

 * glucocorticoids in invasive doses ½–1 mg/kg with gradual decrease
 * occurs in connection with rheumatic polymyalgia (unclear etiology, in elderly patients, pain and stiffness of the muscles of the brachial + pelvic girdle, general symptoms may occur)