DOI: 10.12890/2021_002562

A Tale of Diagnostic Delay with Detrimental Consequences: Illustrating the Challenging Nature of Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis

Authors

  • Marieke van Nieuwland Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente (Hospital Group Twente), Almelo, The Netherlands
  • Dennis Boumans Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente (Hospital Group Twente), Almelo, The Netherlands
  • Gerben Jan Jacob Plas Department of Neurology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente (Hospital Group Twente), Almelo, The Netherlands
  • Onno Dirk Vijlbrief Department of Radiology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente (Hospital Group Twente), Almelo, The Netherlands
  • Celina Alves Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente (Hospital Group Twente), Almelo, The Netherlands

m.vnieuwland@zgt.nl

Keywords

Giant cell arteritis, diagnostic delay, severe complications

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis is a medical emergency as severe, irreversible complications may occur if it is not treated in a timely manner. However, in daily practice early diagnosis can be challenging. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman who presented with multiple ischaemic cerebral vascular accidents related to newly diagnosed giant cell arteritis. Review of her charts revealed a substantial delay from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis. This case demonstrates the need for additional efforts to reduce delay in referring patients with giant cell arteritis and the need to implement fast-track clinics to prevent serious complications.

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References

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Published

2021-07-27

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 7 (2021)

How to Cite

1.
van Nieuwland M, Dennis Boumans, Gerben Jan Jacob Plas, Onno Dirk Vijlbrief, Celina Alves. A Tale of Diagnostic Delay with Detrimental Consequences: Illustrating the Challenging Nature of Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2021 Jul. 27 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];8(7). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/2562