Uncommon presentation of giant cell arteritis: report of two cases with scalp necrosis

Neurol India. 2009 Jan-Feb;57(1):61-2. doi: 10.4103/0028-3886.48817.

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), the most common form of systemic granulomatous vasculitis in adults, preferentially involves large and medium-sized arteries. Scalp necrosis is a rare complication and can be the presenting feature. This report presents two patients of GCA with severe scalp necrosis as the presenting symptoms. Both the patients were treated successfully with selective debridement, local wound care, antimicrobial and systemic steroid treatment. Skin necrosis is a potentially treatable complication of GCA and needs a multidisciplinary approach.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Debridement
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / pathology*
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Necrosis
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Scalp / pathology*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisolone