Abstract
This case report presents in the context of the recent knowledge of giant cell arteritis the diagnostic challenge of temporal arteritis in 78-year-old patient and describes her complicated treatment. Glucocorticoid therapy at an adequate dose has not provided the expected reduction of inflammatory activity or improvement of clinical status.
After exclusion of other possible causes of the ongoing disease, the therapy with tocilizumab, which was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, was indicated. Treatment with this drug has led to significant improvement of clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters.
The patient was later switched to oral methotrexate therapy, remaining in remission of symptoms and humoral activity. The current options of the treatment of this disease are discussed at the end of the letter.