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GCA visual symptoms — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

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ModerateVasculitisGCA visual symptomsSCE Rheumatology

A 76-year-old woman has new headache and transient monocular visual loss. Examination shows a tender temporal artery is present. Investigations show ESR is 104 mm/hour. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: C — Urgent glucocorticoid treatment

Immediate high-dose glucocorticoids and same-day specialist assessment is the best management step because the vignette describes active or organ-threatening vasculitis. The tempting alternatives either delay sight- or organ-saving therapy or treat a different condition. In vasculitis, treatment urgency is determined by organ threat as much as by diagnostic certainty.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/musculoskeletal-conditions