Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis (TA), is a systemic autoimmune inflammation of medium and large arteries. It is the most common vasculitis affecting adults older than 50, with an incidence of 20/100,000 and an average age of onset of 70. Typically, patients initially present with new-onset headaches, visual changes and disturbances, jaw claudication, arthralgias, and tender or swollen temporal or occipital arteries. Our patient is a 73-year-old male who presented to the emergency room with 10 days of bilateral headache radiating to the occipital area associated with fevers, persistent chills, generalized weakness, and a headache described as constant, dull, 9 out of 10 pain, and minor pain with neck flexion. Lab work revealed an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The patient had tender palpation to his temples and due to a high suspicion of giant cell arteritis, he was started on high-dose steroids with rapid relief of his symptoms. Biopsy showed evidence of active nongranulomatous vasculitis and confirmed bilateral temporal arteritis within the context of the clinical setting. GCA patients are more likely to be women and typically present with unilateral headache (66% of GCA), jaw claudication (50%), fevers (50%), and transient visual loss (16-54%). Here, we describe a 73-year-old male with a past medical history of cerebral vascular accident (CVA), diabetes, and cancer that presented with 10 days of bilateral headaches and fevers. Unlike the usual presentation, our patient denied any vision and joint pain changes, and the temporal arteries were not stiff to palpation. This patient presentation is unique to previous reports in the limited display of symptoms and absence of the most commonly associated manifestations. Although his presentation supported GCA, the features of elevated ESR and CRP, headache, and fever were too general to diagnose GCA exclusively, and his additional symptoms of rhinorrhea and sinus pain more likely supported infection. Our case indicates the importance of maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion for GCA in the elderly population presenting with headaches and elevated ESR and CRP. GCA, also known as temporal arteritis (TA), is a systemic autoimmune inflammation of medium and large arteries. Typically, patients initially present with new-onset headaches, visual changes and disturbances, jaw claudication, arthralgias, and tender or swollen temporal or occipital arteries. Diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion, and treatment revolves around high doses of steroids.
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a form of hypokalemic periodic paralysis associated with hyperthyroidism. It is characterized by hypokalemia associated with acute proximal symmetrical lower limb weakness and can progress to involve all four limbs and the respiratory musculature. We present a case of a 27-year-old Asian male with recurrent attacks of weakness in all four extremities. A subsequent diagnosis of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis was made, which was secondary to a previously undiagnosed Grave's disease. TPP should be a differential in a young male of Asian ethnicity who presents to the hospital with acute onset of paralysis.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a necrotizing vasculitis characterized by small to medium-sized vessel involvement and the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). We present a case of a 26-year-old Asian female who was transferred to our center from a nearby hospital, where she presented with shortness of breath, tested positive for COVID-19, and was being managed for COVID-19 pneumonia. She also had hemoptysis, skin lesions, and left foot numbness. Serological markers and VATS-guided lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment with methylprednisolone and rituximab led to stabilization, despite complications of subcutaneous emphysema and lower extremity neuropathic symptoms. Early recognition and appropriate management of GPA are crucial for optimal outcomes.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.