Multiple strokes after initiation of steroid therapy in giant cell arteritis

Abstract

We report the case of a 66 year old woman with clinical manifestations of giant-cell arteritis, positive temporal artery biopsy and excellent response to prednisone, who developed massive cerebral infarcts after 5 days of treatment. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed multiple infarcts in areas irrigated by both the carotid and vertebrobasilar systems bilaterally. A four-vessel angiography performed 19 days later revealed only mild atheromatous disease. Anticardiolipin antibodies were negative and a transoesophageal echocardiogram was normal. Stroke during the first 2 weeks of therapy in giant-cell arteritis, especially in the vertebrobasilar territory, has been previously reported. Anticoagulation during the first weeks of steroid treatment in these patients might be advisable.