Giant cell arteritis: A rare cause of posterior vasculitis

Abstract

Marilita M Moschos1, Yan Guex-Crosier21Department of Ophthalmology, University of Athens, Greece; 2Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, SwitzerlandPurpose: To report three cases of posterior vasculitis associated with subacute giant cell arteritis (GCA).Methods: Three patients with decreased vision underwent complete ophthalmologic examination and fluorescein angiography.Results: All patients presented posterior vasculitis. Patient 1 had an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 38 mm/hr and a C-reactive protein (CRP) of 28mg/L. Patient 2 and 3 had an ESR of 104 and 95 mm/hr and a CRP of 42 and 195 mg/L accordingly. Diagnosis was established by temporal artery biopsy. Resolution was observed after systemic prednisolone therapy.Conclusion: GCA should be suspected when posterior vasculitis and relatively high ESR and CRP are present.Keywords: giant cell arteritis, posterior vasculitis Horton’s disease, temporal arteritis, uveitis