GIANT CELL ARTERITIS: A DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE IN AN OLDER ADULT

Geriatrics, Gerontology and Aging

Vitor Angelo Carluccio Galhardo¹  Diba Maria Sebba Tosta de Souza²  Jorge Luiz de Carvalho Mello³  Frederico Palumbo Araújo⁴  Raul Sakuma Narita⁵ 

[1] Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade do Vale do Sapucaí - Pouso Alegre (MG), Brazil.;Department of Nursing, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade do Vale do Sapucaí - Pouso Alegre (MG), Brazil.;Professional Master's Program in Applied Health Sciences, Universidade do Vale do Sapucaí - Pouso Alegre (MG), Brazil.;Samuel Libânio General Hospital, Universidade do Vale do Sapucaí - Pouso Alegre (MG), Brazil.;School of Medicine, Universidade do Vale do Sapucaí - Pouso Alegre (MG), Brazil.;

关键词: giant cell arteritis;    frail older adults;    vasculitis;   

DOI  :  10.5327/Z2447-212320202000014

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Giant cell arteritis is a large-vessel vasculitis usually seen in older adults. The inflammatory process results in systemic, ophthalmic, and neurological lesions. It is difficult to diagnose in older adults and may present as a medical emergency. Here, we report the case of an 83-year-old woman who presented with bitemporal headache, jaw claudication, glossodynia, failure to thrive, and amaurosis fugax. The findings supported the hypothesis of giant cell arteritis. Despite receiving treatment, the patient died of an acute myocardial infarction. Headache in older adults raises the possibility of giant cell arteritis, especially when combined with an ophthalmic emergency. Many symptoms indicate the condition, but the diagnosis may be challenging, especially for the generalist physician.

【 授权许可】

Unknown