Final answer:
The most important complication of giant cell arteritis (GCA) is permanent vision loss, resulting from the inflammation of arteries that reduce blood flow to the eyes. Immediate treatment with corticosteroids is critical to prevent this and other complications such as stroke and aortic aneurysm.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most Important Complication of Giant Cell Arteritis
The most important complication of giant cell arteritis (GCA) is permanent vision loss. GCA, also known as temporal arteritis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the large and medium-sized arteries, which can lead to a critical reduction in blood flow to various parts of the body. The arteries that supply blood to the eyes are often affected, which can result in sudden, painless vision loss, usually starting in one eye and potentially involving the other if not treated promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment with high doses of corticosteroids are crucial in preventing this serious complication. Despite treatment, a small percentage of patients may still experience visual impairment.
Other complications of GCA can include stroke and aortic aneurysm, conditions that also arise from impaired blood flow but are less common than vision loss. It's essential for individuals with symptoms such as new headaches, jaw claudication, visual disturbances, and tenderness of the scalp to seek medical attention promptly to reduce the risk of these complications.