Giant cell arteritis following SARS-CoV-2 infection

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a vasculitis characterised by arterial inflammation, with permanent vision loss being a feared complication. The association between GCA and viral infections is well-known, but there is limited data regarding its relationship to COVID-19. A man in his 80s with a recent history of COVID-19 developed sudden vision loss, persistent headaches and jaw claudication. Ophthalmological findings raised the suspicion of a GCA diagnosis, which was confirmed by temporal artery biopsy. Treatment with prednisone stabilised vision and resolved systemic symptoms. Reports suggest a potential temporal correlation between GCA onset and COVID-19 infection, warranting further investigation into potential mechanisms and clinical implications. This case supports an infectious trigger for GCA, which is a leading theory regarding its pathogenesis.