Symptoms and treatment of giant cell arteritis
Temporal giant cell arteritis is an age-related disease characterized by inflammation of large and medium-sized arteries. There is a narrowing of the lumen of the vessels and the formation of wall blood clots, as a result of which the blood flow in the affected areas is disturbed. Temporal and carotid arteries are most often affected.
Temporal arteritis or Horton's disease - causes:
- viral etiology;
- heredity;
- reduction of immunity.
Experts attribute the presence of tuberculosis and hepatitis to the provoking factors.
Horton's disease - symptoms, types
Taking into account the localization of inflammation, doctors divide the disease into the following types: localized giant cell arteritis, large, polymyalgia rheumatica and lesions of large arteries. Classification according to the nature of the lesion: segmental and focal.
Horton's disease - symptoms are divided into vascular, general and damage to the organs of vision.
General manifestations:
- frequent headache;
- episodic or prolonged increase in temperature (up to 38 degrees);
- pain and tingling in the face. Burning sensation and numbness during conversation (sometimes);
- irritability, sleep disturbance;
- weight loss, general weakness, muscle pain.
Vascular symptoms include compression and soreness in the area of the arteries, the appearance of nodules on the scalp.
Symptoms of the organs of vision:
- pain in the eyes;
- blurred vision, diplopia;
- sensation of "fog" before the eyes;
- decreasing visual acuity.
Detailed information about the pathology is available on the pages of our site Dobrobut.com. It is possible to make an appointment with the desired specialist online and by calling the above phone number. During the consultation, the doctor will answer your questions and give clinical recommendations for the prevention of giant cell arteritis.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is made after receiving the results of additional examinations, taking into account the data of the patient's examination.
The most important laboratory test is a clinical blood test. The main symptom is a clear increase in ESR up to 50 mm/h and above. Among the additional ones: biochemistry, radiography, biopsy of the temporal artery, angiography, ophthalmoscopy.
Giant cell arteritis is treated by a rheumatologist.
Differential diagnosis is carried out with such diseases as atherosclerotic vascular damage, systemic amyloidosis, inflammatory myopathies, malignant neoplasms, rheumatoid arthritis.
Horton's disease - treatment
Glucocorticosteroids are the main method of treating the disease. Prednisolone is used in a daily dose of 40 to 60 mg. In severe cases, the dose is increased to 80 mg per day. The recommended dosage is maintained for a month, after which it is gradually reduced. The duration of the course is individual in each specific case. If within six months at a daily dose of 2.5 mg there are no symptoms, prednisone is discontinued. The doctor will tell you more about the treatment of Horton's disease during the consultation.
Prevention, prognosis
With strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations, the prognosis for giant cell arteritis is favorable. However, there is a risk of developing complications in the form of severe damage to the arteries of the eyes with subsequent loss of vision (partial or complete).
Preventive measures. Since the causes of Horton's disease have not been fully elucidated, doctors recommend strengthening measures (regular performance of a complex of physical exercises, a healthy lifestyle, nutritious food, giving up bad habits, prophylactic intake of vitamin and mineral complexes) and timely treatment of infections as a preventive measure.
If you still have questions about the symptoms and treatment of Horton's disease, make an appointment for a consultation.
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