The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Giant-Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)

Granulomatous vasculitis of large and medium-sized arteries in older adults.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Giant-Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)?

Giant-cell arteritis (temporal arteritis) is a granulomatous vasculitis of large and medium-sized arteries — particularly the aorta and its extracranial branches. It occurs in people over 50, with a mean age at onset of about 72, and is 2-3 times more common in women than in men.

Histologically there is intimal hyperplasia, medial damage and granulomatous inflammation containing giant cells. The most serious complication is permanent visual loss from anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy; delayed diagnosis can lead to bilateral blindness.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a frequent companion disease (40-50% of patients). Diagnosis relies on raised ESR and CRP, temporal-artery biopsy and ultrasound or PET imaging. High-dose corticosteroids are first-line treatment.

Symptoms

New-onset severe unilateral headache
Tenderness and induration over the temporal artery
Jaw claudication (pain on chewing)
Transient or permanent visual loss
Diplopia
Scalp tenderness
Fever, malaise and weight loss
Polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms (shoulder/hip pain)

Risk Factors

Age over 50
Female sex
Northern European descent
HLA-DRB1*04 positivity
Coexisting polymyalgia rheumatica
Smoking
Low body weight
Family history of vasculitis

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New severe headache in a person over 50
  • Sudden visual loss or blurring
  • Pain on chewing (jaw claudication)
  • Polymyalgia-like shoulder or hip pain
  • Unexplained fever, weight loss and high ESR
  • Scalp tenderness or hardening of the temporal artery

Treatment Methods

01
High-dose prednisolone (40-60 mg/day) started immediately
02
Pulse methylprednisolone for visual loss
03
Steroid taper after clinical response
04
Tocilizumab (IL-6 inhibitor) as a steroid-sparing agent
05
Methotrexate as an alternative steroid-sparing agent
06
Low-dose aspirin to reduce ischaemic complications
07
Osteoporosis prophylaxis (calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonate)
08
Ophthalmic and vascular follow-up, surveillance for aortic aneurysm

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.