Giant cell arteritis characterised by sore throat

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis is a devastating condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis is vital to initiate corticosteroid treatment before irreversible visual symptoms develop. This case study examines an 81-year-old woman with a history of polymyalgia rheumatica who initially presented with sore throat and headache. She was ultimately diagnosed with giant cell arteritis. However, her diagnosis was delayed by multiple emergency and outpatient providers who failed to evaluate her for giant cell arteritis. Her story reflects the importance of assessing polymyalgia rheumatica patients for giant cell arteritis even when presenting with more unusual symptoms, such as sore throat.