Masked giant cell arteritis.
BACKGROUND
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis in the western world and often presents as a diagnostic problem for general practitioners. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent potential irreversible complications, with a favourable outcome.


OBJECTIVE
This article discusses a case of GCA presenting with mild anaemia, weight loss and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Anaemia and high inflammatory markers are common blood abnormalities encountered in the elderly population. Even though anaemia as a primary presentation of GCA has been well documented in the past, our case highlights the importance of considering this as a differential diagnosis in the community. Ways of assessing the so-called 'masked GCA' which may enable a better awareness of the diversity of this disease, is also discussed.
Cheung
Peter Pak Moon
PP
Institute of Rheumatology and Orthopaedics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales. cheungppm@yahoo.com.au
Richards
Griffith
G
D000368:Aged; D000740:Anemia / Q000097:blood; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001706:Biopsy; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D005260:Female; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000473:pathology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011241:Prednisone