GCA aorta and arm claidication

[Magavi]

Hello! Has anyone with GCA had a problem with the aorta and/or arm claidication, and if so what follow up Did it require? Thanks

[jinasc]

If you have a problem with the Aorta, then the Consultant Cardiologist will deal with it.

It is recommended in the BSR Guidelines of the Diagnosis and Treatment of GCA. That after two years, both the Pulmonary and Aorta should be checked.

[Magavi in reply to jinasc]

Thank you!

[Brantuk]

I've had GCA 2yrs now and have had two pet scans and about half a dozen cat scans because when I was diagnosed they found 3 significant aortic aneurysms and drs have been monitoring for any growth. My CRP has been holding under 5 for several months and the inflammation seems to be mostly under control now I'm down to 6.5mg pred daily - but one aneurysm has changed size significantly and still has some inflammation. I would recommend at least one scan to check your aorta now. If you're lucky your GCA will have been diagnosed early enough that you don't have any problems. But I wouldn't wait two years - a lot can happen in that time.

[Magavi in reply to Brantuk]

Thank you. How is your aneurysm checked? With a CAT?

I am being admitted to hospital this week so hopefully they will do mri or pet for me in there. I have been diagnosed only recently after 10 months of the first onset of symptoms. I have been taking steroids for an unknown autoimmune disorder until now.

[jinasc in reply to Brantuk]

I assumed the person already had been diagnosed and was seeking information on who would deal with it.

[Magavi in reply to jinasc]

Yes, I wanted to know that as well. Just to be prepered.

[jinasc in reply to Brantuk]

Brantuk

I was quoting from the BSR Guidelines on Diagnosis and Treatment for GCA.

Although anyone with GCA might not have any problems at all, after two years with GCA whether they have problems or not then they should have the test.

I am sorry to read that you had problems so early and a good Consultant.

I hope that others with with GCA read this thread.

Me: GCA 5 years then ongoing remission coming up to 7th.

[Brantuk]

They can measure the width of aortal aneurysms with a cat scan - I've been checked every 3-4 months over the last 2 yrs. The pet scan is used to determine inflammation on the inside of the aorta and other arteries - as well as taking size information I believe. I too was diagnosed after 6mths of onset of gca symptoms - though I suspect it was a while longer.

[Ronnie101]

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately my consultant is not the type to be reminded of any guidelines!!

[Brantuk]

Hi Jinasc

Sure - I accept you were quoting the guidelines which is good. I was just advising on my experience really. I'm sure the guidelines are adequate where diagnosis occurs close to initial symptoms on a normally healthy aorta - I just suggest caution if one doesn't know that for sure.

I suspect my GCA may have been progressing well before I got noticeable symptoms and had it diagnosed/treated - maybe up to a couple of years before. And I had no idea my aorta was already in a considerably advanced state. I suspect major surgery will be required in the next 12-18mths - I'm getting the surgeons advice later this month.

Hopefully magavi will have started GCA with a healthier aorta than mine when he/she is scanned in hospital.