[Temporal arteritis and cerebrovascular complications].
BACKGROUND
Giant cell (temporal) arteritis is a systemic vasculitis of large and medium sized arteries causing severe visual loss and cerebrovascular accidents. We have treated several patients who developed stroke because of giant-cell arteritis despite high-dose corticosteroid treatment.


METHODS
We undertook a Medline search in order to find predictive factors for risk of developing irreversible ischaemic complications in giant-cell arteritis. There are only a few reported cases in the literature, mostly retrospective studies.


RESULTS
Stroke is a relatively rare neurologic complication, preceded by transient visual disturbances and jaw claudication. On the other hand, it is suggested that the rate of cranial ischaemic complications is inversely related to the intensity of inflammatory response.


CONCLUSIONS
Cranial ischaemic complications can occur despite corticosteroid treatment. Low-dose aspirin as adjuvant therapy should be considered in patients with giant cell arteritis. Large, multicentre, randomized studies are required in order to define the best treatment for giant cell arteritis and for the prevention of cerebrovascular complications.
Øverlie
Hildegunn
H
Medisinsk avdeling, Sykehuset Innlandet, 2819 Gjøvik. hildegunn.overlie@gmail.com
Kerty
Emilia
E
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001241:Aspirin