Giant cell arteritis--presenting as stroke, transient ischaemic attack and dementia.

Abstract

Stroke and multi-infarct dementia are most commonly caused by atherosclerotic disease and are irreversible. Stroke and dementia associated with giant cell arteritis are rare but important to recognise as they may be reversible if diagnosed and treated promptly. This article describes the case of a patient who presented with a cilioretinal artery occlusion, diagnosed as being due to giant cell arteritis. In retrospect, it seems likely that a stroke suffered 3 years earlier and mental state deterioration over that period may have been associated with the giant cell arteritis. Therefore, features useful in identifying stroke, transient ischaemic attack and dementia caused by giant cell arteritis are described.