Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which condition is most commonly linked with a higher risk of giant cell arteritis?

1. History of transient ischemic attacks (TIA)

2. Frequent migraine headaches

3. Polymyalgia rheumatica

4. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

The correct answer is: Polymyalgia rheumatica

Giant cell arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the large and medium-sized blood vessels, primarily affecting the temporal arteries in the head. It is important to recognize that giant cell arteritis is strongly associated with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition that typically presents with muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips, and it commonly occurs in older adults. The relationship between PMR and giant cell arteritis is significant because many patients diagnosed with PMR may also develop giant cell arteritis, indicating a shared pathophysiological mechanism. In fact, approximately 15-50% of individuals with polymyalgia rheumatica may ultimately be diagnosed with giant cell arteritis. Understanding this association is crucial in clinical practice; for instance, when a patient presents with symptoms of PMR, healthcare providers maintain a heightened vigilance for the symptoms of giant cell arteritis. Early diagnosis and treatment of giant cell arteritis are critical to prevent complications such as vision loss. In contrast, conditions like transient ischemic attacks (TIA), frequent migraine headaches, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may have other causes and associations