MedEdTalks - Rheumatology

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of medium- and large-vessel vasculitis. Despite new treatment options for patients with GCA, delays in diagnosis and treatment lead to poor outcomes, such as the increased risk for visual impairments and incidence of heart attacks, transient ischemic attacks, and/or mortality. Diagnosis of GCA remains difficult due to the nonspecific nature of many early symptoms. Until recently, therapeutic options were limited to prolonged, high-dose glucocorticoid therapy, which has the potential for many undesirable side effects. In this Curbside Consults series, expert faculty will discuss clinical cases that emphasize appropriate medical work-up for timely identification of GCA and early intervention strategies, as well as provide guidance for implementing evidence-based glucocorticoid-sparing therapy. Experts will also discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to optimize the work-up and care of patients with GCA.