[Premature cerebral vascular accidents after initiation of steroid therapy in Horton disease].

INTRODUCTION

Steroid therapy remains the standard treatment for giant cell arteritis but is sometimes incriminated in the occurrence of ischemic events, particularly in the early phase of the disease.

EXEGESIS: We report four cases of ischemic events observed early after initiation of steroid therapy in giant cell arteritis. We also reviewed the literature.

CONCLUSION

Though the close temporal relationship between the initiation of steroids and the occurrence of ischemic events suggests a causative link, other factors such as arteritis itself or arteriosclerosis would also play a role. Systematic prescription of an anticoagulant should be discussed at the initial phase of treatment of giant cell arteritis.