Giant cell arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis, is a condition that causes inflammation of the arteries in the neck, scalp and arms, preventing blood from circulating smoothly. This disease is frequently associated with another condition, polymyalgia rheumatica, and its treatment is important because otherwise it can lead to blindness.
Causes of giant cell arteritis
Difficulty of blood circulation
When giant cell arteritis appears, the part that covers the arteries swells and causes a narrowing that prevents blood from flowing well and, therefore, does not reach the entire body adequately. All arteries can be damaged, but giant cell arteritis usually affects the arteries in the temples. The cause of this disease has not been determined and the main hypothesis is that it is an attack by the immune system. Hereditary and environmental factors may also play a role.
Interestingly, giant cell arteritis especially affects women in a ratio of 2 to 1 compared to men. It can also affect at any time of life, but it is especially common after the age of 70. The percentage of the population affected is higher in the Nordic countries of Europe. A clear risk factor is having polymyalgia rheumatica. In fact, half of those with giant cell arteritis also have polymyalgia rheumatica.
If not treated properly, giant cell arteritis can develop and lead to blindness or stroke.
Symptoms of giant cell arteritis
Frequent headache
The main symptom of giant cell arteritis is a continuous headache that is quite intense and centralized in the temple area. In addition, there is greater sensitivity to pain throughout the head. These symptoms are accompanied by a feeling of tiredness and, sometimes, fever. Sometimes vision problems can occur, either in the form of double vision or even blindness in one of the eyes. In summary:
– Headache.
– Pain in the jaw when chewing or opening the mouth too much.
– Involuntary weight loss.
– Fatigue.
– Fever.
– Double vision.
– Partial blindness.
Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, or hips are common symptoms of a related disorder, polymyalgia rheumatica. About 50 percent of people with giant cell arteritis also have polymyalgia rheumatica.
Diagnosis of giant cell arteritis
Difficult identification
Diagnosing giant cell arteritis is quite difficult because it shares symptoms with many other diseases. It is important for the doctor to perform a physical examination that focuses on the head area. Additionally, other tests should also be performed such as a blood test, an erythrocyte sedimentation rate to determine the speed of red blood cells, a Doppler ultrasound, an MRI and a biopsy. The latter is conclusive and consists of removing a piece of artery so that it can be analyzed to check if there are cells larger than normal.
Giant cell arteritis treatment and medication
Corticosteroids
The common treatment for this disease is based on the massive administration of corticosteroids. It is important to start treatment quickly to avoid major complications such as blindness. The effect of corticosteroids is usually very rapid, but the treatment is usually long and can last several years. Sometimes, the medication also includes an immunosuppressant.
On the other hand, corticosteroids sometimes cause serious side effects, such as osteoporosis or hypertension.
Giant cell artery disease can cause serious complications such as aortic aneurysm, blindness, or stroke.
Prevention of giant cell arteritis
balanced diet
Certain healthy habits must be adopted to minimize the effects of giant cell arteritis and reduce symptoms. It is important to follow a balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables and reduced doses of alcohol, sugar and salt. It is also essential to consume calcium.
Another healthy and convenient habit is to constantly perform physical exercise. Walking every day for 45 minutes can help, but a personalized physical activity plan must be drawn up for each case.
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