title: Giant cell arteritis.
abstract: Giant cell arteritis is a visually devastating disease that primarily affects the over 55 age group. This granulomatous inflammation affects large and medium-sized arteries anywhere in the body. Systemic manifestations of this disease include: jaw claudication, scalp tenderness, malaise and vertigo. Decreased appetite and/or anorexia may also be seen. Ocular manifestations may include ischemic optic neuropathy with sudden markedly reduced visual acuity. Steroid treatment is used to protect the uninvolved eye. In its classic form the disease is monitored by adjusting the steroid dosage with the erythrocyte sed rate (ESR). Prognosis for visual restoration in the involved eye is poor.
authors.affiliation: Omni Eye Services of Wilmington, DE 19808.
authors.forename: A W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Ishak
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Persak
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Warwick
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D008775:Methylprednisolone