(Giant Cell Arteritis)
Definition
Definition
Temporal arteritis is inflammation of the arteries. It affects the arteries in the head, neck, and upper body. The temporal artery is most often affected. It runs over the temple, to the outside of the eye. In extreme or untreated cases, this condition can lead to blindness or strokes.
2 other terms often associated with this condition include:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA)
- Vasculitis
Temporal ArteritisCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
The cause of temporal arteritis is not known. It may result from an autoimmune response in the body. An autoimmune disease is a condition in which the immune system mistakes the body’s own tissue for a foreign invader, attacking and damaging it.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Temporal arteritis is more common in women, and in people aged 50 years and older. It is also more common among Caucasians, especially those of Scandinavian or northern European descent. Other factors may increase your chance of getting temporal arteritis include:
- Family history
- Polymyalgia rheumatica—a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in muscles of the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and thighs
Symptoms
Symptoms
Temporal arteritis may cause:
- Scalp pain or tenderness over the temporal artery
- Headaches
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- Pain when chewing
- Pain in the jaw or tongue
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Vision
changes
- Sweats
- Aches in the joints or muscles
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. A retinal exam may also be done.
Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Biopsy—removal of a sample of the temporal artery
Images may be taken of the temporal artery. This can be done with ultrasound.
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:
Corticosteroid Therapy
Corticosteroid therapy is used to decrease the swelling and inflammation. It will also help decrease the risk of blindness. At first, high doses are often given. The doses are then tapered off. Therapy is often continued for several years.
Long-term use of corticosteroids has some harmful side effects. These may include:
- Increased risk of infections
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Stomach irritation
Supplements will help to stop these effects on the bone. The supplements may include:
Low-Dose Aspirin
You may be advised take low-dose aspirin every day. This may help to reduce the risk of vision loss associated with temporal arteritis.
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent temporal arteritis.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology http://www.entcanada.org
References:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/giant-cell-arteritis-and-polymyalgia-rheumatica.html
Updated March 2014. Accessed June 30, 2015.
Giant cell arteritis (including temporal arteritis). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated June 4, 2015. Accessed June 30, 2015.
Karahaliou M, Vaiopoulos G, et al. Colour duplex sonography of temporal arteries before decision for biopsy: a prospective study in 55 patients with suspected giant cell arteritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2006;8:R116.
Larsson K, Mellström D, et al. Early menopause, low body mass index, and smoking are independent risk factors for developing giant cell arteritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65:529-532.
Parikh M, Miller NR, et al. Prevalence of a normal c-reactive protein with an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate in biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis. Ophthalmology. 2006;113(10):1842-1845.
Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Polymyalgia/default.asp
Updated August 2012. Accessed June 30, 2015.
Smetana GW, Shmerling RH. Does this patient have temporal arteritis? JAMA. 2002; 287:92.
Yellin AE, DeMeester TR. Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. JAMA Surgery. 2004;139(11):1146-1147.
Last Updated: 5/11/2013