GCA and arterial stenosis

[christine2715]

I am told I have arterial stenosis - caused buy GCA and Predisilone - I have two different blood pressures on each arm - 146 on one and 122 on the other. Should there be any action regarding this - should I be taking aspirin for instance? GP hasnt commented but then our GPs are overstretched and I really dont have any faith in them. Had ultrasound with consultant and he told me this. Seeing him again on 11th July and will ask him then but that seems a way off.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Are they sure about the whole thing? Which artery is it that is involved?

Something called subclavian stenosis causing subclavian steal syndrome is something that should be considered when the symptoms perhaps suggest GCA. - and it can happen even without GCA and without pred. It is rare though and mostly it remains as just the stenosis.

In some cases they can insert a stent if it becomes bad enough to require treatment - in some patients it can become so bad there is no BP in the affected side and severe arm pain when it is being used! Otherwise I think they often just monitor it.

Some medication may be recommended but I'm not sure aspirin is one - it would be much better to wait until you see the specialist.

[christine2715 in reply to PMRpro]

i am under Prof Das Gupta and he gave me the information. I have also had two PET scans to diagnose active GCA. I have GCA in subclavian and aorta. I do not have any other symptoms except for my veins seem very obvious and blue on the left side of my body, breast, arm and leg. No pain at all.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to christine2715]

Oh well - he should know!