Giant cell arteritis

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Giant Cell Arteritis

Giant cell arteritis (pronounced: jai-ant sell ar-ter-i-tis), also known as temporal arteritis or cranial arteritis, is a type of vasculitis that often affects the large and medium arteries of the head. Its etymology is derived from the Greek words "gigas" meaning giant, "kytos" meaning cell, and "arteritis" meaning inflammation of an artery.

Definition

Giant cell arteritis is an inflammatory disease of blood vessels most commonly involving large and medium arteries of the head, predominantly the branches of the external carotid artery. The condition is named for the characteristic pathological finding of large multinucleated giant cells within the arterial wall.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of giant cell arteritis include headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, vision problems, and fatigue. In some cases, the disease can lead to blindness or stroke.

Causes

The exact cause of giant cell arteritis is unknown. However, it is thought to involve an abnormal immune response, which causes inflammation in the walls of arteries. Risk factors include age, sex, and ethnicity, with the condition being more common in women, people over the age of 50, and those of Northern European descent.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of giant cell arteritis is typically based on symptoms, physical examination, and blood tests. A definitive diagnosis can be made with a biopsy of an affected artery, usually the temporal artery.

Treatment

Treatment for giant cell arteritis typically involves high doses of a corticosteroid drug such as prednisone. This medication can help to quickly alleviate symptoms and prevent vision loss. Long-term treatment may be needed to prevent recurrence of the disease.

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