Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arthritis) and Carotid Occlusive Diseases

Temporal arteritis (TA) is a systemic inflammatory vasculitis of unknown etiology that affects medium and large arteries and has systemic, ophthalmologic, and neurological complications. The etiology of TA is not known clearly. The effects of genetic and environmental factors can play a role together. Ocular involvement of TA is an ophthalmologic emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in preventing permanent vision loss. Ophthalmologic involvement is common and may be the first and only manifestation of TA. Carotid artery stenosis is the most important cause of embolic and thromboembolic diseases. Carotid artery insufficiency has signs of acute and chronic ischemia in the eye. It is very important to know the spectrum of ocular signs and symptoms in carotid occlusive disease. The ocular manifestation may precede cardiological or neurological symptoms. Systemic evaluation is important because these diseases may be life-threatening.