What is a common initial treatment for giant cell arteritis to prevent vision loss?

What is a common initial treatment for giant cell arteritis to prevent vision loss?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. High-dose corticosteroids
• C. Low-dose aspirin
• D. Immunoglobulin therapy

Answer: (B)

In giant cell arteritis, protecting vision depends on quickly suppressing the inflammatory process in the arteries that feed the optic nerve. Starting high-dose corticosteroids right away minimizes inflammation, reduces vessel edema and luminal narrowing, and preserves optic nerve perfusion, which helps prevent irreversible vision loss. If there is already threatened vision, intravenous methylprednisolone is often used initially, followed by a high-dose oral prednisone taper. Do not wait for biopsy or imaging results to treat, because delaying therapy can cost the patient their sight. The other options don’t address the underlying vasculitis: antibiotics target infection, low-dose aspirin alone won’t halt optic nerve ischemia, and immunoglobulin therapy isn’t a standard treatment for this condition.

In giant cell arteritis, protecting vision depends on quickly suppressing the inflammatory process in the arteries that feed the optic nerve. Starting high-dose corticosteroids right away minimizes inflammation, reduces vessel edema and luminal narrowing, and preserves optic nerve perfusion, which helps prevent irreversible vision loss. If there is already threatened vision, intravenous methylprednisolone is often used initially, followed by a high-dose oral prednisone taper. Do not wait for biopsy or imaging results to treat, because delaying therapy can cost the patient their sight. The other options don’t address the underlying vasculitis: antibiotics target infection, low-dose aspirin alone won’t halt optic nerve ischemia, and immunoglobulin therapy isn’t a standard treatment for this condition.