Giant cell arteritis presenting as depressed mood and headache in an elderly patient

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the inflammation of medium to large vessels. Although classic descriptions have centered on features such as vision loss, headaches, fevers, and jaw claudication, there is increasing recognition of more atypical manifestations. We report a case of GCA in a 77-year-old male patient initially presenting with depressed mood and headache. His psychiatric symptoms promptly responded to treatment with corticosteroids without the use of antidepressants. This case adds to the literature that GCA may initially present with affective or psychotic symptoms and highlights the need for clinicians to consider GCA in the differential diagnosis for new-onset psychiatric disorders in the elderly. © 2013 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.