Unusual systemic conditions in a patient with giant cell arteritis.

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis is a systemic vasculitis that causes inflammation in medium- and large-sized blood vessels. The condition can lead to irreversible blindness if not recognised and treated promptly with high-dose steroids. Clinical manifestations typically include headache, jaw pain, fever, and fatigue. However, unusual manifestations of the disease have been reported, including pulmonary nodules, uveitis, pericarditis, and stroke. We report a case of biopsy-confirmed giant cell arteritis in a patient found to have renal cell carcinoma, exhibiting these unusual manifestations simultaneously. This case report demonstrates the atypical presentation that giant cell arteritis may have and the importance of having a high clinical suspicion for the condition.