Characterization of visual manifestations and identification of risk factors for permanent vision loss in patients with giant cell arteritis

Background/purpose Permanent vision loss (PVL) is a feared complication and a leading cause of morbidity in giant cell arteritis (GCA). The objective of this study is to describe visual manifestations and identify risk factors of ocular involvement in GCA. Methods A retrospective database from a single vasculitis referral center was used. Descriptive statistics comparing patients with and without ocular involvement were performed. Results One hundred patients with GCA were included. Visual symptoms were present in 53% of patients at diagnosis and included blurred vision (30%), diplopia (16%), amaurosis fugax (14%), and blindness (19%). Out of 19 patients with blindness, 16 did not recover and had PVL. Patients with PVL were older (79.2 +/- 6.7 vs 74.2 +/- 7.6 years; p = 0.008) and more likely to have coronary artery disease (31% vs 10%; p = 0.018). However, they were less likely to have other cranial symptoms (81% vs 96%; p = 0.019), mainly headaches (64% vs 92%; p = 0.003). Risk factors associated with an abnormal ophthalmologic examination were the same as for PVL, but patients were also more likely to have diabetes (29% vs 7%; p = 0.040) and less likely to have constitutional symptoms (53% vs 80%; p = 0.033). Conclusion Patients with GCA and ocular involvement were more likely to have baseline diabetes and atherosclerosis. A predisposing vascular vulnerability might therefore increase the risk of ocular involvement.