Storartärvaskulit

Storartärvaskulit, also known as giant cell arteritis (GCA) or temporal arteritis, is a form of vasculitis, which is inflammation of the blood vessels. It specifically affects the large arteries of the body, most commonly the aorta and its branches. The temporal arteries, located on the sides of the head, are frequently involved, leading to the common name "temporal arteritis." This condition primarily affects individuals over the age of 50, with a higher prevalence in women and those of Northern European descent.

The exact cause of storartärvaskulit is not fully understood but is thought to be an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own blood vessels. Symptoms can vary but often include a new, severe headache, pain and tenderness in the temples, jaw claudication (pain in the jaw when chewing), visual disturbances such as blurred or double vision, and even sudden blindness. Constitutional symptoms like fever, fatigue, weight loss, and muscle aches (polymyalgia rheumatica) can also be present.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical examination, blood tests to detect inflammation (such as elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and often a biopsy of the temporal artery to confirm the presence of inflammation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications, particularly irreversible vision loss. Treatment usually involves high-dose corticosteroids, often followed by a gradual tapering of the medication. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs may also be used in some cases.