Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

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Description

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is a serious inflammatory condition that primarily affects the large and medium-sized arteries, often in the head and neck. This condition can lead to significant health issues if left untreated, so it‘s crucial to understand its symptoms, causes, and management strategies. This comprehensive guide will explore GCA in detail, providing valuable information for individuals who are concerned about this condition or those living with it.

Genes Involved

While the specific genes involved in GCA are not fully understood, research suggests that certain genes may play a role in susceptibility to the disease. These include:

• HLA genes: The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, responsible for immune system regulation, are linked to GCA risk. Some HLA alleles, like HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR1, have been associated with increased susceptibility.
• Genes involved in inflammation: Genes that influence inflammatory responses, such as the TNF-alpha gene and the IL-6 gene, might also contribute to GCA development.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of GCA is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Headache: Often described as a severe, throbbing pain in the temples or forehead, particularly on one side.
• Tenderness and pain: The temporal arteries, located on either side of the head, may become tender and painful to the touch.
• Jaw pain: Difficulty chewing or a jaw ache can be a prominent symptom.
• Scalp pain: Sensitivity and pain on the scalp.
• Vision problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or temporary vision loss can occur if GCA affects the blood vessels supplying the eyes.
• Fever: A low-grade fever is common.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak.
• Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss may occur.
• Muscle aches: Pain and stiffness in the muscles, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and hips.

Causes

The exact cause of GCA is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. This means the body‘s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, specifically the walls of blood vessels. Potential factors that may trigger GCA include:

• Genetics: As mentioned earlier, certain genes may predispose individuals to GCA.
• Age: GCA predominantly affects people over the age of 50.
• Ethnicity: It is more common in people of European descent.
• Infections: Some infections may trigger GCA, though the exact role of infections is unclear.

Inheritance/recurrence risk

GCA is not directly inherited from parents to children. However, family history does seem to play a role, indicating a genetic predisposition. Having a close relative with GCA slightly increases the risk of developing the disease. While GCA is not usually recurrent in the same individual, there is a small chance of it recurring, particularly if the initial treatment was not successful.