Introduction:

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis (GCA), is an inflammatory disease affecting the large blood vessels of the scalp, neck, and arms. It's the most common form of vasculitis in adults over the age of 50. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, especially vision loss.

Understanding Temporal Arteritis:

GCA is characterized by the inflammation of the lining of the arteries, primarily those in the head. The exact cause is unknown, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors, possibly an abnormal immune response.

Symptoms of Temporal Arteritis:

• Headache: Often severe and located in the temple area.
• Scalp Tenderness: The scalp may be sensitive to touch, especially around the temples.
• Jaw Pain: Discomfort when chewing or talking.
• Vision Problems: Including double vision or sudden, permanent loss of vision in one eye.
• Fatigue and Weakness.
• Fever and Weight Loss.
• Joint Pain: Especially in the shoulders and hips.

Risk Factors:

• Age: Most common in people over 50.
• Sex: Women are more likely to develop the condition.
• Ethnicity: Predominantly affects white individuals, especially those of Northern European descent.
• Other Autoimmune Conditions: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical Examination: Including checking the temples for tenderness or decreased pulse.
• Blood Tests: Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) can indicate inflammation.
• Temporal Artery Biopsy: A small sample of the temporal artery is taken and examined for inflammation.
• Imaging: Such as Doppler ultrasound or MRI to visualize the arteries.

Treatment:

• Corticosteroids: Prednisone is commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation. It's started at a high dose and then tapered down.
• Aspirin: May be recommended to reduce the risk of vision loss and stroke.
• Immunosuppressive Drugs: Such as methotrexate, might be used in combination with corticosteroids.
• Bone Density Medications: To counteract the bone-thinning effects of corticosteroids.

Complications:

• Vision Loss: Inflammation can affect the blood supply to the eye.
• Aortic Aneurysm: The inflammation can affect the aorta, leading to bulging or aneurysm.
• Stroke: Reduced blood flow to the brain can result in a stroke.

Conclusion:

Temporal (giant cell) arteritis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many of the severe complications can be prevented. Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor the disease and adjust treatments as necessary.

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