Giant cell arteritis: diagnosis and management.
Visual loss caused by giant cell arteritis is a medical emergency that requires prompt recognition and treatment with systemic corticosteroids. A delay in diagnosis can lead to devastating ophthalmic and systemic complications. Recent advances in genetic and immunocytochemical research techniques have led to greater understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms of giant cell arteritis. Giant cell arteritis is a systemic condition with a strong predilection for the ocular vasculature. Visual symptoms are often the presenting manifestation of the disease, placing the ophthalmologist in a critical position for early diagnosis and treatment. Maintenance of a high clinical suspicion in the appropriate clinical setting is important in establishing an early diagnosis. Because of the complex nature of the disease process, many cases may be a therapeutic challenge requiring prolonged immunosuppression.
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- Ophthalmology & Optometry
- Humans
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- 3212 Ophthalmology and optometry
- 1113 Opthalmology and Optometry
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Ophthalmology & Optometry
- Humans
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- 3212 Ophthalmology and optometry
- 1113 Opthalmology and Optometry