Unusual systemic conditions in a patient with giant cell arteritis

Mod Rheumatol Case Rep. 2025 Jul 25;9(2):rxaf014. doi: 10.1093/mrcr/rxaf014.

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis is a systemic vasculitis that causes inflammation in medium- and large-sized blood vessels. The condition can lead to irreversible blindness if not recognised and treated promptly with high-dose steroids. Clinical manifestations typically include headache, jaw pain, fever, and fatigue. However, unusual manifestations of the disease have been reported, including pulmonary nodules, uveitis, pericarditis, and stroke. We report a case of biopsy-confirmed giant cell arteritis in a patient found to have renal cell carcinoma, exhibiting these unusual manifestations simultaneously. This case report demonstrates the atypical presentation that giant cell arteritis may have and the importance of having a high clinical suspicion for the condition.

Keywords: Giant cell arteritis; pericarditis; pulmonary nodules; renal cell carcinoma; uveitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / complications
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / diagnosis
  • Giant Cell Arteritis* / complications
  • Giant Cell Arteritis* / diagnosis
  • Giant Cell Arteritis* / drug therapy
  • Giant Cell Arteritis* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / complications
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / diagnosis