Temporal arteritis presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms in a middle aged man.
Giant cell arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis, is a vasculitis of unknown etiology that classically involves the wall of the large to medium size. We are reporting a case of a young onset temporal arteritis presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms. The patient was a 48-year-old male who presented with a 2-week history of fever, diffuse abdominal pain, and malaise. He underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy after findings of elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase as well as suspicion of porcelain gallbladder on ultrasound (or computed tomography scan). The patient subsequently developed painless, intermittent vision loss and unilateral headaches. A work-up included temporal artery biopsy, which showed marked lymphocytic infiltrate in the arterial wall consistent with temporal arteritis. The presentation of temporal arteritis may be atypical. We are reporting a case of temporal arteritis at a young age presenting mainly with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Jafri
Hasan S
HS
Department of Internal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Sofianos
Christopher
C
Hattab
Eyas M
EM
Overhiser
Andrew J
AJ
Chiorean
Michael
M
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones