Giant cell arteritis of the cervical radicular vessels presenting with diaphragmatic weakness.
The clinical and histopathological details of a patient who succumbed to giant cell arteritis (GCA) of the cervical radicular vessels are described. The initial clinical presentation, with diaphragmatic weakness, has not previously been reported. Normal inflammatory indices and the unusual presentation prevented diagnosis during life, but GCA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any unexplained neuropathic or radiculopathic syndrome, as corticosteroid therapy may lead to recovery. This is the first account of the pathological findings in cervical radiculopathy associated with GCA.
University of Oxford, Department of Human Anatomy and Genetics, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
E A
EA
Burton
J B
JB
Winer
P C
PC
Barber
D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology*; D009333:Neck / Q000098:blood supply*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000473:pathology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000098:blood supply