Giant cell arteritis: Beyond the typical

Abstract

Introduction: Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary vasculitis in adults and can present with symptoms such as headache, jaw claudication, visual symptoms, among others. Case report: An 81-year-old male with 2 weeks of muscle weakness in the shoulder girdle and pelvic area, later developing jaw claudica­tion. Examination revealed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 107 mm/h. GCA was suspected, and a temporal artery biopsy was performed, showing vasculitis of the temporal artery branch with fibrinoid necrosis and leukocytoclasis. Additional tests showed positive pANCA > 1/80 and myeloperoxidase autoantibody. The clinical-pathological diagnosis was ANCA-associated vasculitis. Treatment with azathioprine and corticostecliroid adjustment was initiated, resulting in a favorable response. Conclusion: ANCA- associated vasculitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with clinical features of GCA.