Giant cell arteritis causes recurrent posterior circulation transient ischemic attacks which respond to corticosteroid.
A 67-year-old man presented with recurrent clinically diverse posterior circulation transient ischemic attacks which continued despite full anticoagulation. Giant cell arteritis was suspected because of a markedly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and confirmed by temporal artery biopsy. Treatment with corticosteroids resulted in a prompt and enduring resolution of clinical symptoms. Giant cell arteritis may represent a treatable cause of posterior circulation transient ischemic attacks, uniquely responsive to corticosteroids.
D000368:Aged; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012008:Recurrence
D011241:Prednisone