Menière's syndrome: an atypical presentation of giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis).
The authors discuss three patients with biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) who experienced significant auditory and vestibular symptoms. Two of the patients who presented with audiovestibular symptomatology died as a direct result of GCA affecting the vertebral arteries. Postmortem findings are reported. This report illustrates the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion of GCA in elderly patients who present with the acute onset of audio-vestibular symptoms. These symptoms can be a herald of brain stem infarction if giant cell arteritis is the underlying cause. High-dose prednisone and rheumatologic/neurologic consultation is required.
McKennan
K X
KX
Sacramento Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical and Medical Group, Inc., CA.
Nielsen
S L
SL
Watson
C
C
Wiesner
K
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000209:etiology*