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Temporal arteritis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Carotid artery anatomy
Carotid artery anatomy

Alternative Names    Return to top

Arteritis - temporal; Cranial arteritis; Giant cell arteritis

Definition    Return to top

Temporal arteritis is inflammation and damage to blood vessels that supply the head area, particularly the large or medium arteries that branch from the neck.

If the inflammation affects the arteries in your neck, upper body and arms, it is called giant cell arteritis.

Causes    Return to top

Temporal, giant cell, and cranial arteritis occur when one or more arteries become inflammed and die.

It most commonly occurs in the head, especially in the temporal arteries that branch off from a blood vessel in the neck called the carotid artery. However, the condition can be a body-wide (systemic) disorder, affecting many medium-to-large sized arteries anywhere in the body.

The cause is unknown but is believed to be partly due to a faulty immune response. The disorder has been associated with severe infections and high doses of antibiotics.

The disorder may develop along with or after polymyalgia rheumatica. Giant cell arteritis is seen almost exclusively in those over 50 years old, but may occasionally occur in younger people. It is rare in people of African descent. There is some evidence that it runs in families.

Symptoms    Return to top

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

About 40% of people will have other nonspecific symptoms such as respiratory complaints (most frequently dry cough) or weakness or pain along many nerve areas. Rarely, paralysis of eye muscles may occur. A persistent fever may be the only symptom.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The doctor will examine your head. Touching the head may show that the scalp is sensitive and has a tender, thick artery on one side. The affected artery may have a weak pulse or no pulse.

Blood tests may include:

Blood tests cannot specifically diagnose this condition. A biopsy and examination of tissue from the affected artery confirm the diagnosis in most cases.

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is to reduce tissue damage that may occur because of lack of blood flow.

Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroid treatment may be started even before a biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Aspirin may also be recommended.

Medications that suppress the immune system are occasionally prescribed.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Most people make a full recovery, but long-term treatment (for 1 to 2 years or longer) may be needed. The condition may return at a later date.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Possible complications, especially if not treated properly or promptly, include:

Side effects from steroid or immune-suppressing medications may also occur.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have persistent throbbing headache and other symptoms of temporarl arteritis.

Prevention    Return to top

There is no known prevention.

References    Return to top

Paget SA, Spiera RF. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Temporal Arteritis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 292.

Update Date: 1/16/2009

Updated by: Joseph P. Hart, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Medical University of Southern Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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