Giant Cell Arteritis: A Case-Based Narrative Review of the Literature
Purpose of Review Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic, inflammatory condition, primarily affecting the medium and larger arteries. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe GCA in the context of headache and facial pain, based on a case and the available current literature. Understandi...
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Veröffentlicht in: | Current pain and headache reports 2022-10, Vol.26 (10), p.725-740 |
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Hauptverfasser: | , , , , , , , , |
Format: | Artikel |
Sprache: | eng |
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Zusammenfassung: | Purpose of Review
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic, inflammatory condition, primarily affecting the medium and larger arteries. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe GCA in the context of headache and facial pain, based on a case and the available current literature. Understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, the associated conditions, and the differential diagnoses is important in managing GCA.
Recent Findings
In a patient presenting with unilateral facial/head pain with disturbances of vision, GCA should be considered in the differential diagnosis. There is an association of GCA with several comorbid conditions, and infections including coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection. Management of GCA primarily depends upon the identification of the affected artery and prompt treatment. Permanent visual loss and other serious complications are associated with GCA.
Summary
GCA is characterized by robust inflammation of large- and medium-sized arteries and marked elevation of systemic mediators of inflammation. An interdisciplinary approach of management involving the pertinent specialties is strongly recommended. |
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ISSN: | 1531-3433 1534-3081 |
DOI: | 10.1007/s11916-022-01075-1 |