All conditions
Vasculitis & polymyalgia
Giant Cell Arteritis
Also known as: Temporal arteritis, GCA
Inflammation of large arteries, especially in the head, that can cause sudden vision loss if not treated quickly. It occurs almost only after age 50.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it is
Giant cell arteritis inflames the walls of the aorta and its branches, most famously the temporal arteries at the sides of the head. Narrowed arteries can cut off blood supply to the eye. Many people also have polymyalgia rheumatica.
Symptoms
New headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing, vision changes such as blurring, double vision or temporary loss, fever, fatigue and shoulder or hip stiffness.
How it’s diagnosed
ESR and CRP are usually high. Ultrasound of the temporal arteries, temporal artery biopsy or PET scan confirm the diagnosis. Testing should not delay treatment when vision is at risk.
Treatment
High-dose steroids are started immediately, then tapered over months. Tocilizumab helps keep the disease in remission and lowers total steroid exposure.
Living with it
New vision symptoms are an emergency: go to the ER. Long-term steroid use calls for bone protection and blood sugar and blood pressure checks.
At a glance
Category
Vasculitis & polymyalgia
Also known as
Temporal arteritis, GCA
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
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For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.