Lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and ischemic ulcers associated with giant cell arteritis.

A patient with previously treated, temporal artery biopsy proven, giant cell arteritis (GCA) developed lower extremity ulcers and sensory neuropathy. Sural nerve biopsy showed epineural vessels with focal mild chronic inflammation. The lower extremity skin and nerve abnormalities improved after retreatment with prednisone. The rare manifestations of lower extremity skin and peripheral nervous system involvement associated with GCA are discussed. GCA must be considered in lower extremity ischemic processes of the skin and peripheral nervous system.