Cranial arteritis: a medical emergency with orofacial manifestations.

BACKGROUND

Cranial arteritis, or CA, a vascular disease affecting primarily elderly people, may result in permanent blindness if untreated. Since it frequently mimics temporomandibular joint, myofascial or odontogenic pain, dentists must be familiar with this condition.

CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors present reports of two patients who had signs and symptoms of CA, some of which were suggestive of other head and neck pain disorders. In both cases, the diagnosis of CA was confirmed by temporal artery biopsy, and treatment with systemic steroids resulted in rapid resolution of symptoms.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Prompt diagnosis and treatment of CA not only results in resolution of symptoms, but also may prevent blindness, the most serious sequela of the condition.