Open AccessA Tale of Diagnostic Delay with Detrimental Consequences: Illustrating the Challenging Nature of Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis
Author(s) -
Marieke van Nieuwland,
Dennis Boumans,
Gerben Jan Jacob Plas,
Onno Vijlbrief,
Celina Alves
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
european journal of case reports in internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 2284-2594
DOI - 10.12890/2021_002562
Subject(s) - giant cell arteritis , medicine , arteritis , signs and symptoms , pediatrics , surgery , vasculitis , disease , pathology
Giant cell arteritis is a medical emergency as severe, irreversible complications may occur if it is not treated in a timely manner. However, in daily practice early diagnosis can be challenging. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman who presented with multiple ischaemic cerebral vascular accidents related to newly diagnosed giant cell arteritis. Review of her charts revealed a substantial delay from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis. This case demonstrates the need for additional efforts to reduce delay in referring patients with giant cell arteritis and the need to implement fast-track clinics to prevent serious complications.