A 67-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital because of a 2-day history of fever, headache, jaw pain, and decreased vision in the right eye. Her temperature is 38.1°C (100.6°F). Examination shows normal muscle strength in bilateral upper and lower extremities; range of motion of the shoulder and hip is mildly limited by pain. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 84 mm per hour. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for this patient's condition?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Giant cell arteritis, a type of large-vessel vasculitis, most commonly presents in the elderly. This patient's constitutional symptoms (fever, weakness, weight loss) with additional symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica, unilateral headache, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate are all suggestive of this disease. Prompt diagnosis via temporal artery biopsy and treatment is warranted to prevent serious complications such as visual loss (from anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) or cerebral ischemia.

A 67-Year-Old Woman Is Admitted to the Hospital Because of a 2-Day