Disseminated giant cell arteritis with inflammatory arthritis and C-ANCA

J Clin Rheumatol. 2005 Aug;11(4):216-8. doi: 10.1097/01.rhu.0000173063.39257.2a.

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is well known for its involvement of the proximal aorta and its branches, classically causing headache, visual impairment, and elevations in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP). We describe a case of biopsy-proven GCA initially presenting with limb claudication, oligoarticular inflammatory arthritis, and a positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody with cytoplasmic staining (C-ANCA), treated successfully with a combination of prednisone and weekly methotrexate. This case illustrates the wide spectrum of features that can be seen with GCA, including the occasional presence of C-ANCA. The C-ANCA became negative after treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / metabolism*
  • Arthritis / diagnosis
  • Arthritis / etiology*
  • Arthritis / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / complications*
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / diagnosis
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic