Anyone Diagnosed with GCA under the age of 50?

[PMRdaughter]

I’m curious to know if anyone here was diagnosed with GCA under the age of 50. I’ve had this concern in the past that I have it. I had a c reactive protein test done in March and it was very low in the normal range. However, recently my scalp has become itchy and tender again. I’ve had some eye strain recently, but not sure if it’s from my increased screen time. I also have notice a raised vein on my left temple and I can see a vein in the middle of my forehead. I’m nearly 41. My mom had PMR, but none of my sisters and myself are sure if she had GCA as well or not. I can recall her having the biopsies done (I was about 12 then), and my mom is deceased now.

[SnazzyD]

Hello. We heard from you a while back. Did you ever have a biopsy done? Have your symptoms changed or developed since then, other than the scalp and raised vein? Both of these can be symptoms of stress and tension so it is difficult to say without much else to go on. It is possible to get vasculitis, including GCA at your age but there are usually other symptoms. How much screen time are you doing?

[PMRdaughter in reply to SnazzyD]

I guess a lot of screen time, about 3 hrs minimum a day. I’m working on it. I do a vascular genetic mutation, although never had a blood clot. I have factor 2 gene mutation. My mother, her 2 sister and one of my sisters have all had blood clots, but my sister and I are the only ones who were able to get the genetic testing done. It’s common among British people, my parents are from Scotland.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It’s certainly very rare - but it could be TA - Takayasu arteritis -

Couple of links -

vasculitisfoundation.org/mc...

vasculitis.org.uk/about-vas...

[PMRdaughter in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. I’ll look into it! Due to COVID19 here in Ontario Canada, Doctors still aren’t seeing patients unless at the walk in clinic. All of my Doctors/Specialists still aren’t seeing anyone face to face. I think in July that will change. My family dr. Has laid off his receptionist and you leave a msg and it can be weeks before he gets back.

[Mikb in reply to PMRdaughter]

My rheumie works out of St. Mikes in Toronto and he is seeing patients in person. I had an appointment with him for this week and asked if we could do a telephone consult instead, and I was told no. In person only.

[PMRdaughter in reply to Mikb]

That’s great! I’m in Hamilton. My sons ent, peditrician, my Haematologist and family dr in Burlington are not doing in office appts. However I just got an apt in office with the ent again for end of July, so they’re starting to open up.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I suspect the vein in the middle of your forehead IS a vein - and GCA doesn't involve veins at all.

It is very unusual for GCA to develop in patients under 50 - but not unknown. The trouble is - you have to find a rheumatologist who will consider it as a possibility.

There are other disorders that can lead to similar symptoms.

[PMRdaughter]

Thank you.