Giant Cell Arteritis

Giant cell arteritis is inflammation of the walls of the arteries, most commonly in the arteries in the head. Patients with suspected giant cell arteritis require a biopsy of their temporal arteries. Before getting a biopsy, patients should be put on high-dose steroid medication.

Symptoms

• Headache
  
• Vision changes
  
• Jaw pain with chewing
  

Diagnosis

• Once temporal arteritis is suspected, high dose steroids should be initiated. The sample of artery that is removed by your vascular surgeon will be examined by a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis

Treatment

• Steroid treatment is usually all that is needed. Any further interventions will be discussed with your surgeon or referring provider, if needed
  

Learn more

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Varicose and Spider Veins
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease
Carotid Artery Disease
Dialysis Access
Wound Care
Vascular Lab
Giant Cell Arteritis
Lymphedema
Mesenteric Ischemia