Rosh Internal Medicine Boost Practice Exam

Which set of symptoms is classic for giant cell arteritis?

1. Visual disturbances and temporal tenderness

2. Chest pain and shortness of breath

3. Proximal joint pain and morning stiffness

4. Headaches and photosensitivity

The correct answer is: Visual disturbances and temporal tenderness

Giant cell arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis, is characterized by a set of symptoms that include visual disturbances and tenderness over the temple area. This condition is a form of vasculitis that primarily affects the large and medium-sized arteries, most notably the superficial temporal artery. The inflammation in these arteries can lead to severe symptoms, including headaches and scalp tenderness, but the visual disturbances are particularly significant because they can indicate a risk of irreversible vision loss if not treated promptly. The presence of temporal tenderness is a key clinical hallmark, as the arteries in the temple area become inflamed and sensitive to touch. Patients may also report experiencing sudden vision changes or even blindness due to involvement of the ophthalmic branches of the internal carotid artery. These symptoms together make the combination of visual disturbances and temporal tenderness classic for giant cell arteritis, leading to urgent diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. While other sets of symptoms listed may correspond to different medical conditions, they do not capture the unique and critical aspects of giant cell arteritis, making the identification of the classic symptoms essential in clinical practice.