Giant Cell Arteritis - Who to Refer to?

Giant cell arteritis is a systemic immune-mediated vasculitis affecting the medium and large arteries. Typical symptoms include new headache, jaw claudication, tender temporal artery, polymyalgia rheumatica, fever and anorexia. Visual loss resulting from giant cell arteritis is an ophthalmic emergency and requires immediate assessment and referral to the ophthalmologist for prompt treatment with steroids. This article provides a systematic approach to the diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis.