Giant cell arteritis, prevalent among older individuals, affects medium to large arteries, exhibiting diverse clinical manifestations in both cranial and extracranial locations. Patients with the classic cranial phenotype present with nonspecific constitutional symptoms, headaches, jaw claudication, and an abnormal temporal artery biopsy, whereas isolated radiographic evidence of arteritis may characterize an alternative presentation. Clinicians should consider giant cell arteritis in individuals over 50 with new or altered headaches, jaw claudication, fever, visual disturbances, or vascular abnormalities.[12] Tongue pain, although rare, significantly raises the likelihood of giant cell arteritis.[9]Vascular irregularities may manifest as limb claudication, asymmetric blood pressures, an abnormal radial pulse, and temporal artery abnormalities. Patients with polymyalgia rheumatica should also undergo an evaluation for giant cell arteritis. Timely initiation of glucocorticoids is crucial to prevent blindness. This activity reviews the etiology, complex presentation, various diagnostic modalities, and treatment approaches for giant cell arteritis, empowering healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to reduce morbidity and mortality and enhance patient outcomes.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/29921
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: IPCE Credits: 2.0 hours
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 2.0 hours
Nursing: 2.0 hours
Pharmacy: 2.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Ambulatory/Outpatient, Cardiovascular, Cardiovascular Disease, Critical Care Medicine, General Operative Anesthesia, Geriatric Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurocritical Care, Pain Medicine, Rheumatology, Vascular Surgery