Giant Cell Arteritis Presenting as Pyrexia of Unknown Origin in Asians: 2 Case Reports.

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) has a Caucasian preponderance and mainly affects persons older than 50 years old. We report on 2 elderly patients of Asian origin who presented with pyrexia of unknown origin to highlight the rare occurrence of GCA in Asians without classical symptoms. Due to its wide spectrum of manifestations and ethnic differences in epidemiology, the disease can pose a diagnostic challenge to unwary clinicians, resulting in serious sequelae; thus a high index of suspicion is needed for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Temporal artery biopsy should be performed when GCA is suspected.