Giant Cell (Temporal) Arteritis: Pathogenesis and investigations Risk Factors: - Unclear environmental triggers (may be viral, not proven) - Genetic abnormalities (i.e. HLA-DR4 mutation) that alter inflammatory cytokine expression - Age: GCA is almost never seen in patients < 50 yrs old; F>M Signs/Symptoms: - Fever - High serum CRP. ESR - Thrombocytosis - Normocytic Anemia - Giant cells seen on biopsy - Vessels will be enlarged, usually painful to palpation - Vasculitic skin lesions - Muscle-soreness (associated with Polymyalgia Rheumatica) - Focal neurological findings #GiantCell #Temporal #Arteritis #Pathophysiology #Diagnosis #Signs #Symptoms #Vasculitis
