What is GCA or temporal arteritis or cranial arteritis?

Answer 1

Giant-cell arteritis (GCA or temporal arteritis or cranial arteritis) or Horton disease is an inflammatory disease of blood vessels most commonly involving large and medium arteries of the head, predominantly the branches of the external carotid artery. It is a form of vasculitis.

The name (giant cell arteritis) reflects the type of inflammatory cell involved[1] as seen on a biopsy.

The terms "giant-cell arteritis" and "temporal arteritis" are sometimes used interchangeably, because of the frequent involvement of the temporal artery. However, it can involve other large vessels (such as the aorta in "giant-cell aortitis"[2]). Giant-cell arteritis of the temporal artery is referred to as "temporal arteritis," and is also known as "cranial arteritis" and "Horton's disease."[3]:840

Signs and symptoms

It is more common in women than in men by a ratio of 2:1 and more common in those of Northern European descent, as well as those residing at higher latitudes. The mean age of onset is >55 years, and it is rare in those less than 55 years of age.

People present with:

• bruits

• fever

• headache[4]

• tenderness and sensitivity on the scalp

• jaw claudication (pain in jaw when chewing)

• tongue claudication (pain in tongue when chewing) and necrosis[5][6]

• reduced visual acuity (blurred vision)

• acute visual loss (sudden blindness)

• diplopia (double vision)

• acute tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• polymyalgia rheumatica (in 50%)

The inflammation may affect blood supply to the eye and blurred vision or sudden blindness may occur. In 76% of cases involving the eye, the ophthalmic artery is involved causing arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.[7] Loss of vision in both eyes may occur very abruptly and this disease is therefore a medical emergency.