skip to main content

GCA Steroid Complications — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardRheumatology EmergenciesGCA Steroid ComplicationsSCE Rheumatology

A patient with treated giant cell arteritis develops recurrent temporal headache and jaw claudication while prednisolone is tapered. There is no visual symptom or neurological deficit. What should happen next?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Return to the previous effective prednisolone dose and reassess relapse

Return of cranial symptoms represents a GCA relapse and requires prompt restoration of disease control, generally by increasing glucocorticoid to the previous effective dose while checking for ischaemia and complications. Repeated relapse should trigger specialist steroid-sparing review.

Reference: BSR guideline on diagnosis and treatment of giant cell arteritis (Published January 2020; revision in development): https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/59/3/e1/5714024; NICE TA518: tocilizumab for treating giant cell arteritis (Published April 2018): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta518/chapter/1-Recommendations