Atypical Presentation of Giant Cell Arteritis: Case Report

Authors

  • Rafael Contreras Acosta Clinica Iberoamerica, Colombia
  • Alfonso Spath Spath Clinica Iberoamerica, Colombia
  • Erika Martínez Carreño Clinica Iberoamerica, Colombia
  • Camilo José Almanza Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Colombia
  • Marina Pedrosa Algarin Gloria Clinica Iberoamerica, Colombia
  • Javier Gonzalez Quiroga Clinica del Occidente, Colombia
  • Maria Castro Pereira Sabbag Radiologos, Colombia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.40.03.103.524

Keywords:

aortitis, computed tomography angiography, giant cell arteritis, magnetic resonance angiography, vasculitis

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous vasculitis of medium and large arteries that usually affects the aorta and/or its main branches. We report a 66-year-old, female, black, and an active smoker patient. The patient consulted due to diffuse abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, without neurological manifestations suggestive of intracranial involvement. Vital signs within acceptable limits, pain on palpation in the epigastrium and left flank, and positive renal fist percussion. Computed tomography (CT) angiography showed intramural inflammatory lesions and Stanford type B aortic dissection; therefore, transfer to the intensive care unit was indicated. Vascular surgery suggested intramural hematoma of the descending aorta and ulcer adjacent to the minor celiac trunk. Oral beta-blocker was started. Markers and an electrocardiogram were taken without findings of acute coronary cause. Control CT angiography showed thickening of the aortic walls from the arch to the bifurcation consistent with aortitis with elevated acute phase reactants. Pain improved and the patient was transferred to the general ward. Control images indicated suspicion of GCA vasculitis, so management with corticosteroids was started. Patient reported pain again, and a magnetic resonance (MRI) angiography was requested. It showed diffuse and concentric thickening of the aortic walls from the arch to the bifurcation. This suggested an inflammatory process of the aortic wall. After 7 days of treatment with prednisolone, patient was discharged due to decreased pain and no recurrence of other symptoms. Medication was indicated to continue, and a control MRI angiography was requested. Significant pain and imaging improvement was found, so the corticosteroid dose was tapered until it was discontinued. 

Author Biographies

Rafael Contreras Acosta, Clinica Iberoamerica, Colombia

Medicina Interna de la Universidad Metropolitana. Clínica Iberoamérica. rafaelcontreras08@hotmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3472-5363

Alfonso Spath Spath, Clinica Iberoamerica, Colombia

Radiología de la Universidad Javeriana. Intervencionista de McGuill University. Clínica Iberoamérica.alfonsospaths@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9947-846 

Erika Martínez Carreño, Clinica Iberoamerica, Colombia

Medicina Interna de la Universidad Metropolitana. Cardiología de la Universidad El Bosque. Master en Falla Cardíaca de la Universidad Francisco Pelayo. Clínica Iberoamérica. erikammc@hotmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1670-2715 

Camilo José Almanza, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Colombia

Médico de la Universidad Sanitas. Epidemiología de la Universidad de los Andes. Hospital Universitario San Ignacio.camilojose840@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1167-4081

Marina Pedrosa Algarin Gloria, Clinica Iberoamerica, Colombia

Médico de la Universidad Metropolitana. Epidemiología de la Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. Clínica Iberoamérica. mayialgarin@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4245-817

Javier Gonzalez Quiroga, Clinica del Occidente, Colombia

Médico de la Universidad Sanitas. Epidemiología de la Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga. Universidad del Rosario. j.gonzalezqu@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3801-6334 

Maria Castro Pereira, Sabbag Radiologos, Colombia

Radiología de la Universidad Metropolitana. Clínica Iberoamérica. maria-jose-castro-pereira@hotmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5734-8014 

Published

2024-12-17

How to Cite

Contreras Acosta, R. ., Spath Spath, A. ., Martínez Carreño, E., Almanza, C. J. ., Algarin Gloria, M. P. ., Gonzalez Quiroga, J., & Castro Pereira, M. (2024). Atypical Presentation of Giant Cell Arteritis: Case Report . Salud Uninorte, 40(3), 1126–1137. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.40.03.103.524