RheumatologyOphthalmology
Giant Cell Arteritis
BSR 2020 — recognise red flags, urgent prednisolone (do not delay for biopsy/USS), tocilizumab, GCA fast-track clinic.
Source: BSR 2020; EULAR 2018
Step 1 of ~3
info
Recognise
Age ≥50 with new-onset headache + ≥1 of: jaw claudication, scalp tenderness, visual disturbance (transient or permanent — amaurosis fugax, AION), constitutional symptoms (fever, weight loss, fatigue), polymyalgic symptoms, abnormal temporal artery (tender, thickened, pulseless). ESR usually >50 (often >100); CRP ↑↑.
Visual loss = ophthalmological emergency. Bilateral 25% if untreated.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Tocilizumab (ICU — Cytokine Storm / COVID-19) · IL-6 Receptor Inhibitor
- Prednisolone (Systemic) · Systemic Corticosteroid — Acute Dermatoses
- Prednisolone (Systemic) · Systemic Corticosteroid
- Prednisolone · Glucocorticoid (intermediate-acting)
- Prednisolone (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss) · Corticosteroid (systemic — SSNHL treatment)
- Sodium Cromoglicate Nasal Spray · Mast Cell Stabiliser — Allergic Rhinitis
Pathways
- Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus · BAD; EULAR
- Osteoporosis / Fragility Fracture · NOGG 2021; NICE NG147; NG224
- Arteritic AION (Giant Cell Arteritis) · RCOphth; BSR
- Osteoarthritis Hip / Knee Management · NICE NG226 (2022)
- Lupus Nephritis · EULAR/ERA-EDTA 2019; KDIGO 2024
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Management · NICE CG79 2018 / EULAR 2022
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.