Temporal arteritis is also known as which condition?

Temporal arteritis is also known as which condition?

• A. Giant cell arteritis
• B. Kawasaki disease
• C. Takayasu arteritis
• D. Polyarteritis nodosa

Answer: (A)

Temporal arteritis is the classic example of giant cell arteritis. It’s a granulomatous vasculitis that preferentially affects large and medium arteries, especially the branches of the external carotid like the temporal artery, in adults over 50. The name giant cell arteritis comes from the histologic finding of multinucleated giant cells within the vessel wall and the visible inflammation of the artery. Clinically, this condition can present with new scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, headaches, and, crucially, risk of sudden vision loss if the ophthalmic arteries are involved—hence the emphasis on prompt treatment with steroids to prevent ischemic damage. The other conditions listed are different vasculitides with distinct patterns and typical patient groups. Kawasaki disease is primarily a pediatric illness with mucocutaneous findings and coronary involvement. Takayasu arteritis involves the aorta and its major branches, usually in younger women, and presents with limb claudication and discrepancies in blood pressure. Polyarteritis nodosa affects medium-sized arteries and often presents with systemic symptoms and organ ischemia but not the characteristic temporal artery involvement. So, temporal arteritis is best identified with the name giant cell arteritis.

Temporal arteritis is the classic example of giant cell arteritis. It’s a granulomatous vasculitis that preferentially affects large and medium arteries, especially the branches of the external carotid like the temporal artery, in adults over 50. The name giant cell arteritis comes from the histologic finding of multinucleated giant cells within the vessel wall and the visible inflammation of the artery. Clinically, this condition can present with new scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, headaches, and, crucially, risk of sudden vision loss if the ophthalmic arteries are involved—hence the emphasis on prompt treatment with steroids to prevent ischemic damage.

The other conditions listed are different vasculitides with distinct patterns and typical patient groups. Kawasaki disease is primarily a pediatric illness with mucocutaneous findings and coronary involvement. Takayasu arteritis involves the aorta and its major branches, usually in younger women, and presents with limb claudication and discrepancies in blood pressure. Polyarteritis nodosa affects medium-sized arteries and often presents with systemic symptoms and organ ischemia but not the characteristic temporal artery involvement.

So, temporal arteritis is best identified with the name giant cell arteritis.