Temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica – an acute condition in rheumatology.

Overview

Temporal arteritis (TA), Horton`s disease, is vasculitis of unknown etiology affecting branches of the external and internal carotid arteries. However, in question is a generalized gigantocellular panarteritis that can affect any large or medium-size artery. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) either follows an independent course or appears along with TA. It is manifested by pain and stiffening of the shoulder and lumbar regions. Presented are two case reports; one demonstrating a typical example of temporal arteritis, the other a combination of TA and polymyalgia rheumatica.

Conclusion:
Early diagnostics and treatment of TA is the precondition for preserving the patient’s eyesight.

Key words:
temporal arteritis – polymyalgia rheumatica