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- GCA generally occurs in older adults, usually those over the age of 60.
- If GCA affects blood flow to the eye, loss of vision can occur.
- Loss of vision can be prevented by prompt diagnosis and treatment.
In an older adult, a new, persisting headache—especially if together with flu-like symptoms, unexplained fatigue (tiredness) or fevers—can be due to an illness called giant cell arteritis or GCA. A disease of blood vessels, GCA can occur together with polymyalgia rheumatica (also called PMR).
What is giant cell arteritis?
GCA is a type of vasculitis or arteritis, a group of diseases whose main feature is inflammation of blood vessels. In GCA, the vessels most often involved are the arteries of the scalp and head, especially the arteries over the temples, which is why another term for GCA is "temporal arteritis."
Giant cell arteritis can cause swelling and thickening of the small artery under the skin, called the temporal artery.
GCA can overlap with PMR. At some point, 5%-15% of patients with PMR will have a diagnosis of GCA. Looked at another way, about 50% of patients with GCA have symptoms of PMR. The two conditions may occur at the same time or on their own.
The most common symptom (what you feel) of GCA is a new headache, usually around the temples, but headache due to GCA can occur anywhere, including the front, top and back of the skull. Almost as common are more widespread symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss or a flu-like feeling. There may be pain in the jaw with chewing. Sometimes the only sign of GCA is unexplained fever. Less common symptoms include pains in the face, tongue or throat.
If GCA spreads to the blood supply of the eye, eyesight can be affected. Problems with vision can include temporary blurring, double vision or blindness. Permanent loss of vision in GCA can occur suddenly, but proper treatment can prevent this complication. In fact, if vision is intact at the time the patient starts treatment, the risk of later loss of sight is 1 in 100 or less.
It is vital that patients who have PMR, either active or inactive, report any symptoms of new headache, changes in vision or jaw pain right away to their doctors.
What causes giant cell arteritis?
As with PMR, the cause of GCA is not known.
Who gets giant cell arteritis?
GCA affects the same types of patients as does PMR. It occurs only in adults usually over age 50, in women more than men, and in whites more than nonwhites.
A biopsy of the temporal artery shows inflammation almost completely closing the opening of the artery.
How is giant cell arteritis diagnosed?
There is no simple blood test or noninvasive way to confirm the diagnosis of GCA. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or "sed rate," a blood test that measures inflammation, is high in most people with GCA. But because other diseases can cause high sedimentation rates, doctors cannot rely on this finding as proof of GCA.
It is common to do a biopsy—or surgical removal —of a small piece of the temporal artery and study it under a microscope for signs of inflammation. This biopsy is an outpatient procedure, done under local anesthesia (numbing of that site while you are awake). It leaves just a small scar—which usually cannot be seen—at the hairline in front of the ear. In GCA, the biopsy shows inflammation of the artery. If there is doubt about the diagnosis based on the first biopsy, your doctor may do a biopsy of the temporal artery on the other side of your head.
How is giant cell arteritis treated?
The treatment for GCA should begin as soon as possible because of the risk of loss of vision. If your doctor strongly suspects GCA, treatment can start before you get the results of a temporal artery biopsy.
Unlike the treatment for PMR, which requires only low-dose corticosteroids (also called glucocorticoids), GCA treatment usually involves high doses of corticosteroids. Typically, the dose is 40-60 milligrams (mg) per day of prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, etc.). Headaches and other symptoms quickly decrease with treatment, and the sedimentation rate declines to a normal range.
The high dose of corticosteroids usually continues for a month, and then slowly the dose is decreased ("tapered"). The speed at which your doctor lowers the dose may change if you have recurring symptoms of GCA or large increases in the sedimentation rate. In most cases, though, the prednisone dose can be reduced to about 5-10 mg per day over a few months. Patients are usually tapered off this medicine by 1-2 years. GCA rarely returns after treatment.
Living with giant cell arteritis
As would be expected, side effects are more common with higher doses of corticosteroids. For instance, corticosteroid treatment can cause bone loss. Therefore, your doctor may want you to get a bone density test. To protect against osteoporosis and the risk of fractures (broken bones), take supplements of calcium and vitamin D. Your doctor also may suggest you take a prescription medicine to protect your bones. These include the bisphosphonates: risedronate (Actonel), alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva) or zoledronic acid (Reclast).
Some of the other side effects from high-dose corticosteroids—for instance, jitteriness, poor sleep and weight gain—can be unpleasant, but are reversible. They get better as you take smaller doses. Muscle weakness, cataracts and skin bruising also can occur with corticosteroid use. See your doctor often to check for side effects.
Points to remember
- GCA, a disease of blood vessels, may occur together with PMR.
- A new, persisting headache is a common symptom of GCA.
- Symptoms of GCA promptly improve with corticosteroids, and the risk of loss of vision is prevented.
The rheumatologist's role in the treatment of giant cell artertitis
Giant cell arteritis can be hard to detect and requires prompt treatment to prevent complications, especially loss of vision. Rheumatologists are experts in inflammatory diseases of blood vessels and are skilled in the detection and management of these uncommon illnesses.
To find a rheumatologist
For a listing of rheumatologists in your area, click here. Learn more about rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals.
For more information
The American College of Rheumatology has compiled this list to give you a starting point for your own additional research. The ACR does not endorse or maintain these Web sites, and is not responsible for any information or claims provided on them. It is always best to talk with your rheumatologist for more information and before making any decisions about your care.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Rheumatology Research Foundation
Learn how the Rheumatology Research Foundation advances research and training to improve the health of people with rheumatic diseases.
Updated August 2012
Written by William Docken, MD, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Communications and Marketing Committee.
This patient fact sheet is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.
© 2012 American College of Rheumatology