Giant cell arteritis: the internist should not be a lone rider in this potentially blinding condition.

Abstract

We report the case of a 66-year-old woman with visual loss due to anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. The diagnosis of giant cell arteritis was made on the basis of classic clinical characteristics and haematological abnormalities. Despite corticosteroid treatment, involvement of the other eye occured, resulting in a bilateral and permanent loss of vision. The follow-up was marked by two relapses within the 6 months after the first episode. In order to prevent blindness, ophthalmologists should be familiar with this disorder and should actively participate in the treatment, not leaving the internist deciding alone about tapering corticotherapy.