What is Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also formerly called temporal arteritis, is one type of vasculitis, an inflammation of blood vessels. It involves large blood vessels, especially those in the head, neck, and arms. These arteries are inflamed, swollen, and narrowed. Their inflammation and narrowing can disrupt blood flow, which can lead to damage to vital organs and tissues.

Your temporal arteries, which travel along your temples, provide blood to your scalp, jaw muscles, and the optic nerve in your eye. If GCA affects these arteries, it can cause several complications, including blindness. GCA can also affect the largest arteries in your body, such as your aorta and its branches. Inflammation of your aorta (aortitis) can cause severe health issues.

Giant cell arteritis commonly occurs together with another inflammatory condition called polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

What are the symptoms of giant cell (temporal) arteritis?

The most frequent symptom of giant cell arteritis is a throbbing, persistent headache on one or both sides of your forehead. Other symptoms are:

• Tenderness at your temples or scalp
• Pain in your jaw that worsens with chewing
• Vision issues, such as double vision, blurred vision, or transient loss of vision
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Muscle pain in your shoulders, upper arms, hips, thighs, lower back, and buttocks

GCA frequently occurs in combination with a separate illness known as polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). This inflammatory disorder causes significant stiffness and pain in the hips and shoulders. PMR can also occur on its own (and is much more common than GCA). However, 40-60% of individuals with GCA also have PMR, and 10-20% of individuals with isolated PMR can develop GCA.

Why does giant cell arteritis occur?

Scientists don't know why giant cell arteritis occurs, but most scientists suspect that it's an autoimmune or auto-inflammatory condition. That means your immune system attacks your healthy blood vessels. Since the condition typically occurs in people as they get older, some think it may be related to aging. They also think heredity and other environmental factors that stress your immune system might be involved.

Who is GCA affecting?

GCA can affect anyone, but it's most prevalent in:

• Older adults: GCA nearly always occurs in individuals over 50, and it appears to become increasingly prevalent as they age. It's most prevalent between the ages of 70 and 80.
• Women: They are more likely to develop the condition than men. Males, however, are more likely to develop blindness from the condition.
• White individuals: GCA occurs more frequently in individuals of Northern European descent than in any other racial or ethnic population.

How is giant cell arteritis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and perform a physical examination. They’ll check whether your pulses are weak in your arms and legs. They’ll also examine your head to look for scalp tenderness or swelling of your temporal arteries.

What tests will be done to diagnose GCA?

Your doctor will initially have blood tests, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, performed to quantify the level of inflammation in your body. They can also check for anemia by testing your hemoglobin level (the oxygen-carrying portion of your red blood cells).

If they suspect giant cell (temporal) arteritis, your doctor might order a temporal artery ultrasound or biopsy. During a biopsy, a trained health professional takes a small sample of your artery. They send it to a pathologist for microscopic examination and evaluation for signs of inflammation (vasculitis).

Other tests that may be needed are:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Ultrasounds of the large arteries
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

What is the treatment for giant cell (temporal) arteritis?

Treatment of giant cell arteritis must begin immediately to prevent vision loss. The main treatment is a glucocorticoid, typically prednisone. You will probably take it at 40 to 60 mg daily (by mouth), and your doctor will taper your dose. If you have already lost vision or have other vision problems, your doctor may start you on a high dose of glucocorticoids through a catheter inserted in your vein (IV).

Because glucocorticoids can lead to very bad side effects, your doctor will be keeping a close eye on how these drugs affect you. Because glucocorticoids suppress your immune system, side effects can include more and more severe infections. They can even weaken your bones, which increases your chances of breaking a bone.

Some other side effects could include:

• Cataracts
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Muscle atrophy and weakness, especially in your legs
• Swelling, especially in your face and legs
• Weight gain

Your doctor will probably want to check your bone density while you are on glucocorticoids to monitor for bone thinning. They may prescribe treatments to maintain the strength of your bones, such as exercises, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and perhaps medicines to avoid osteoporosis.

What is the life expectancy of a person with giant cell arteritis?

GCA has not been shown to shorten life expectancy, although many different factors can influence this. With prompt treatment and diagnosis, the prognosis is excellent, and symptoms usually begin to improve within days.

If left untreated, the GCA can cause permanent loss of vision, as well as life-threatening complications like aneurysms and stroke. If you have any of the symptoms associated with GCA, it is imperative that you contact your healthcare professional right away.

After you've begun treatment, your biggest risk is its side effects. Also, despite successful treatment and initial improvement, GCA may recur (relapse). Scientists don't know why people relapse.

How do I take care of myself while living with giant cell arteritis?

Having GCA can be difficult. To control your disease and side effects that you might have from glucocorticoids, ensure that you:

• Eat nutritious, healthy foods, such as lean meats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Ensure adequate vitamin D and calcium to guard your bones.
• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes daily.
• Sleep at least seven to eight hours each night.
• Take medications as prescribed.
• See your doctor regularly.
• Reduce your risk of infection by taking precautions.

What should I avoid with GCA?

There are some things you should avoid if you have GCA. These are:

• Things that raise your risk of getting ill: The medications used to treat GCA weaken your immune system, increasing your risk of infections. To avoid getting sick, wash your hands often, avoid contact with sick people, and discuss other steps you can take with your healthcare provider to lower your risk of infection.
• Smoking: Smoking can raise your risk of developing GCA. Your health will improve immediately when you stop smoking, benefiting your whole life.
• Drinking alcohol: Drinking alcohol can harm your heart and blood vessels. It can also accelerate bone loss, and it might react with medications you need to take for your illness.

When should I see my doctor?

Call your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of GCA, an infection, or new symptoms. Having your doctor see you regularly and having regular lab and imaging studies can help them catch a relapse early.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Giant Cell Arteritis Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Giant Cell Arteritis treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced rheumatologists and vascular specialists who provide accurate diagnosis and both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options including corticosteroid therapy, immunosuppressive management, and comprehensive vascular monitoring procedures. Our Rheumatology and Vascular Care team has decades of experience in successfully treating Giant Cell Arteritis in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Giant Cell Arteritis Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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