$Unique_ID{BRK01097}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases, Circulatory System}
$Title{What are "Maladie de Horton" Disease and Giant Cell Arteritis?}
$Subject{Horton arteritis temporal}
$Volume{N-4, G-4}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What are "Maladie de Horton" Disease and Giant Cell Arteritis?


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QUESTION:  I am an American living in France-Vichy.  A friend living in
Daytona suggested that I write to you in reference to a sickness named
"Maladie de Horton" which I have.  Would you be kind enough to give me the
details of this sickness?

QUESTION:  I would appreciate any information you could give me on the
condition called Giant Cell Arteritis.  A 70 year old woman diagnosed as
having this condition has been given very little information as to the
prognosis, complications and treatment.

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ANSWER:  At first glance, it would seem that I have two different diseases to
deal with here, but the fact is that they are one and the same.  Perhaps
better known in this country as "temporal arteritis" both Horton's and Giant
Cell Arteritis are but other names for a chronic generalized inflammatory
disease of the branches of the aortic arch, principally found in the temporal
and occipital arteries.  Rarely seen in individuals under the age of 50, it is
most frequent in women over the age of 80.  Although no specific cause has
been identified, research and clinical data makes the probability of an
autoimmune reaction most likely.  The name "Giant Cell" comes from the
appearance of the affected tissues when biopsied and examined under the
microscope, where giant cells may be seen in great profusion.  The beginnings
of the disease may be either acute or gradual, and frequently seem to imitate
a viral or flu like disease, with low-grade fever, aches and pains, severe
weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss.  Usually there are some associated
muscle aches and pains, in the neck, shoulders and hip-pelvic area.  There is
a characteristic severe throbbing or piercing headache over the temporal areas
on one or both sides, and the area may be tender, red and swollen.  About half
the patients have visual symptoms ranging from blurred vision, double vision
to loss of sight.  Apart from the classical signs and symptoms, the red cell
sedimentation rate (sed rate) is markedly elevated, but in view of the length
and importance of the therapy, a tissue biopsy should be obtained to make the
diagnosis.  As soon as the diagnosis is suspected however, high doses of
corticosteroids (such as prednisone) should be administered, as much as 60
mgm/day until the symptoms subside, sometimes in just a few days, and the sed
rate returns to normal (usually from 2 to 4 weeks).  Such prompt and high
dosage therapy can do much to prevent visual loss or blindness.  Therapy with
smaller doses may continue for two years or longer, and patients should be
checked regularly with monitoring of the sed rate to detect early signs of
possible relapses, which frequently occur.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
