title: Giant cell arteritis presenting with scalp necrosis--the timing of temporal artery biopsy?
abstract: Scalp necrosis in patients presenting with clinical features suggestive of giant cell arteritis is rare. The immediate concern is that temporal artery biopsy might further compromise scalp circulation. We report a case of extensive scalp necrosis caused by giant cell arteritis. Temporal artery biopsy performed after 14 days was not associated with any significant damage and still provided florid evidence of the disease. Rapid and complete scalp healing was achieved with aggressive treatment.
authors.forename: Olivia C
authors.initials: OC
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Paine
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Day
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011239:Prednisolone; D008775:Methylprednisolone