GCA
Giant Cell Arteritis
Plain-language definition
Inflammatory disease of blood vessels, mainly temporal arteries. Can cause sudden vision loss and requires urgent high-dose steroids.
Where this term comes up
“Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory condition affecting medium and large arteries, particularly the temporal arteries (near the temples) and the arteries supplying the eyes.”
Condition · Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)
“It's approved for giant cell arteritis (GCA) and is used off-label for some patients with NMO.”
Medication · Tocilizumab (Actemra)
“New eye symptoms after age 50, especially with a new headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, fever, weight loss, or shoulder/hip stiffness, should raise concern for giant cell arteritis (GCA).”
Guide · Eye Symptoms After 50 - Giant Cell Arteritis Warning Signs
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Pathology terms describe diseases, tissue changes, exam findings, or complications that can affect vision or eye comfort.
Related glossary terms
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.