Atypical presentation of giant cell arteritis: a case report

Chandini Vilangapurath; Aswin M. Nair

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20251340

Authors

Chandini Vilangapurath Department of General Medicine, Travancore Medical College, Kollam, Kerala, India
Aswin M. Nair Department of Rheumatology, Travancore Medical College, Kollam, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20251340

Keywords:

Giant cell arteritis, Dyspnea on exertion, Biopsy

Abstract

A 58-year-old female, known hypertensive and hypothyroid, presented with complaints of diffuse headache, decreased appetite, and easy fatiguability over 2 months. Laboratory tests revealed elevated acute phase reactants (ESR-140 mm/1^st hour, CRP-70 mg/l), positive ANA profile with anti-Pm-SCL 100 and AMA-M2 positivity. During subsequent visits, she had a recurrence of headaches along with dyspnea on exertion (DOE) being her predominant symptom limiting her daily activities. A superficial temporal artery doppler was done which showed a positive 'halo sign' and right temporal artery biopsy was compatible with the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA).

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