Abstract

Abstract:
We present the case of a 74-year-old male with Diabetes Mellitus and Angina who was diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) but received suboptimal treatment with low-dose prednisolone despite persistently elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This led to progressive symptoms, including headache, jaw claudication, and eventual vision loss. He presented with severe headaches, blurred vision, and disorientation. Imaging and ultrasound confirmed GCA, and treatment with high-dose IV methylprednisolone initially improved symptoms. However, he developed acute ischemic infarctions in the posterior circulation, followed by complications such as vertigo, bilateral visual loss, and encephalopathy. Despite aggressive management with dual antiplatelet therapy and corticosteroids, the patient succumbed to complications. This case highlights the importance of timely and adequate GCA treatment, especially in patients with comorbidities. The risk of ischemic stroke, reported in 3-7% of GCA patients, underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and appropriate therapeutic dosing to prevent severe outcomes.

Key words: Giant cell arteritis, ischemic stroke, large-vessel vasculitis, cerebrovascular complications.