There are several varieties of systemic vasculitis, among which there is often a giant cell temporal or temporal arteritis (GTA). Another name for the pathology is Horton's disease, in honor of the doctor who first described her.
This disease is diagnosed mainly in the elderly, it affects the arteries of medium and large size. In their walls, the inflammatory process progresses, which gradually spreads. Over time, the vessels narrow against the background of the formation of thrombi and there are various circulatory disorders.
Symptoms of Horton's Disease
The described pathology begins acutely or subacute, it often develops after the transfer of acute respiratory viral infection. Early signs of GTA:
- headache;
- myalgia;
- fever;
- stiffness of movements of chewing muscles and tongue.
The main symptoms of temporal arteritis include 3 types of clinical manifestations:
1. Intoxication:
- heat;
- anorexia;
- rheumatic polymyalgia ;
- headache;
- fatigue;
- pain when chewing.
2. Vascular disorders:
- Nodules on the skin of the scalp;
- compaction of the parietal and temporal arteries;
- painfulness upon palpation of damaged vessels.
3. The defeat of the visual organs:
- reduced visual acuity, right up to sudden blindness;
- ischemic neuropathy of the optic nerve.
Deterioration of eye functions does not occur immediately, but after 2-4 weeks or several months from the onset of the development of pathology, just with the remission of Horton's disease. Such changes are irreversible, therefore it is important for all patients with GTA to regularly check the condition of the fundus.
Blood test for Horton's disease
The basis for the diagnosis is a thorough laboratory blood test. In the results of this analysis, the following criteria are noted:
- hypochromic anemia ;
- ESR greater than 50 mm / h;
- leukocytosis;
- increased activity of hepatic enzymes;
- hypoalbuminemia;
- increased levels of IgG (sometimes).
Treatment of symptoms and causes of Horton's disease
The only effective method of therapy of inflammation of the vascular walls with GTA is the use of corticosteroid hormones, in particular Prednisolone. In severe cases, the treatment regimen is supplemented by another drug, Metiprednisolone.
Therapeutic course is prolonged, after relief of acute inflammatory process it is recommended to take medicines for another six months in a maintenance dosage. Only in the absence of symptoms of Horton's syndrome for 6 months, treatment is completely stopped.