Simultaneous Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and Third Cranial Nerve Palsy in Giant Cell Arteritis

Temporal arteritis presenting as third nerve palsy - a case report and review of literature

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), also known as Temporal Arteritis, is a type of large vessel vasculitis primarily affecting the elderly population. It typically manifests with headaches, visual impairment, and jaw claudication. Although third nerve palsy as the primary presentation of GCA is rare, it has been reported in previous instances. In this report, we describe the case of a patient presenting with pupil-sparing third nerve palsy, ultimately diagnosed with GCA, and successfully managed with steroids and tocilizumab. A lady in her 80s with past medical history of well-controlled hypertension, bladder cancer in remission, a twenty-pack year smoking history, cervical and lumbar spine stenosis, and recent immunizations presented with acute onset of right-sided pupil-sparing third nerve palsy. Labs were pertinent for an elevated ESR and CRP. Brain imaging was without acute abnormalities. A temporal artery biopsy established evidence of healed arteritis and a diagnosis of GCA was made. The patient was treated with pulse-dose steroids followed by an oral steroid taper and tocilizumab. At one month follow-up, there was partial resolution in her ophthalmoplegia. We underscore the importance of considering temporal arteritis as a potential cause of third nerve palsy in the elderly before attributing it solely to microvascular ischemia, particularly in patients with constitutional features. Additionally, in our comprehensive literature review, we aim to consolidate the existing data from similar presentations, shedding light on the clinical manifestation and disease trajectory.

Simultaneous Unilateral Abducens Nerve Palsy and Contralateral Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy as the Presenting Signs of Giant Cell Arteritis

Ischaemic optic neuropathy is the most common, feared, and recognised ocular manifestation of giant cell arteritis (GCA), while extraocular muscle palsy rarely occurs in the disease. Overlooking the diagnosis of GCA in aged patients with acquired diplopia and strabismus is not only sight- but also life-threatening. Here, we present, for the first time, a case of unilateral abducens nerve palsy and contralateral anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy as the presenting signs of GCA in a 98-year-old woman. Prompt diagnosis and treatment prevented further visual loss and systemic complications and allowed for rapid resolution of the abducens nerve palsy. We also aim to discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms of diplopia in GCA and to emphasise that acquired cranial nerve palsy must raise suspicion of this severe disease in elderly patients, particularly in association with ischaemic optic neuropathy.

Unmasking the elusive giant: an unusual case presenting as third nerve palsy in a patient with scleroderma

We report a case of an 80-year-old woman being treated with rituximab and maintenance corticosteroids for long-standing scleroderma who presented with right-sided third nerve palsy. Radiological investigations including CT, MRI and MR angiography of the brain were unremarkable. The patient was discharged with a diagnosis of probable microvascular third nerve palsy but was readmitted 1 week later with total visual loss in her left eye. Despite the absence of diagnostic clinical signs, giant cell arteritis (GCA) was suspected, and she was started on intravenous corticosteroids. Left temporal artery biopsy subsequently confirmed histological findings diagnostic of GCA. Unfortunately, she remained blind in the left eye.