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Giant Cell Arteritis: An Overview

Received Date: Nov 01, 2024 / Published Date: Nov 29, 2024

Citation: Ahmed V (2024) Giant Cell Arteritis: An Overview. J Neuroinfect Dis 15: 538.

Copyright: 漏 2024 Ahmed V. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is a form of large vessel vasculitis that predominantly affects older adults, particularly those over the age of 50. Characterized by inflammation of the arteries, particularly the temporal and ophthalmic branches of the carotid artery, GCA can lead to severe complications such as vision loss, stroke, and aortic aneurysm if left untreated. The pathophysiology of GCA involves an autoimmune mechanism, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the arterial walls, leading to giant cell formation, lymphocytic infiltration, and vascular necrosis.Clinically, GCA presents with a variety of symptoms, including newonset headache, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, and visual disturbances. Systemic manifestations such as fever, fatigue, malaise, and weight loss are also common. The diagnosis of GCA is primarily clinical, supported by laboratory findings of elevated inflammatory markers like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Temporal artery biopsy remains the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis, although imaging techniques such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging can also aid in assessment.Prompt treatment with high-dose corticosteroids, such as prednisone, is critical in managing GCA and preventing irreversible complications. Early initiation of therapy can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss and other serious outcomes. In cases of severe or refractory disease, adjunctive therapies, including methotrexate and biologic agents like tocilizumab, may be utilized to enhance disease control and minimize corticosteroid-related side effects.