Lingual necrosis as a sentinel ischemic manifestation of giant cell arteritis: a case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5327/2525-5711.530Palavras-chave:
Case report, Giant cell arteritis, Ischemia, Oral mucosa, VasculitisResumo
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common systemic vasculitis affecting individuals aged ≥50 years and is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of large- and medium-sized arteries, which may lead to ischemic complications. Lingual necrosis is a rare but severe manifestation and is often associated with diagnostic challenges. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman who presented with rapidly progressive, painful ulceration of the tongue. Within 72 hours, the lesion evolved into a large necrotic ulcer, resulting in significant functional impairment. Clinical examination revealed scalp and temporal tenderness and an ischemic-appearing ulcer. Additional findings included new-onset temporal headache, tongue claudication, and morning stiffness of the shoulders and neck. Laboratory findings were unremarkable. Systemic corticosteroid therapy led to rapid clinical and symptomatic improvement. Complete healing was achieved within two months, with full resolution of signs/symptoms after four months. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of GCA-associated lingual necrosis reported in Venezuela.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jovienmily Villegas-Graterol, Luis Dariel Reyes-Quezada, Fabiana Valentina Vásquez-Rondón, María Gabriela Contreras, Bruno Augusto Benevenuto de Andrade, José Alcides Almeida de Arruda, Mariana Villarroel-Dorrego
Este trabalho está licenciado sob uma licença Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
