Giant cell (temporal) arteritis most commonly affects which vessels, and what is the feared complication of untreated disease?
- A Small vessel vasculitis affecting dermal capillaries; complication is digital gangrene
- B Pulmonary vasculature exclusively; complication is pulmonary hypertension
- C Medium-to-large arteries (temporal, ophthalmic, vertebral, aorta branches); feared complication is blindness from ischemic optic neuropathy ✓
- D Renal arteries causing renovascular hypertension; complication is renal failure
Correct answer: C. Medium-to-large arteries (temporal, ophthalmic, vertebral, aorta branches); feared complication is blindness from ischemic optic neuropathy
Explanation
Giant cell arteritis is a granulomatous vasculitis of medium-to-large vessels in patients over 50 years, classically affecting the temporal artery, and branches of the ophthalmic and posterior ciliary arteries. Occlusion of the ophthalmic artery or its branches causes ischemic optic neuropathy leading to sudden, irreversible blindness — the most feared complication. High-dose corticosteroids must be started immediately.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.