Topic: Temporal Arteritis
Subject: Medicine
A female patient complains of a severe headache and jaw pain when she chews. She also complains of shoulder pain and bilateral wrist weakness. Initial lab tests show an ESR of 75 (normal is less than 30).
What is the most appropriate diagnosis?

Temporal arteritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of large blood vessels, particularly the carotid artery and its branches, occurring primarily in older adults. Simultaneous polymyalgia rheumatica is common. Focal symptoms and signs may include headaches, visual disturbances, temporal artery tenderness, and pain in the jaw muscles while chewing. Fever, weight loss, malaise, and fatigue are also common. ESR is typically very high.
Diagnosis is most often by biopsy. Treatment with high-dose corticosteroids is usually highly effective and prevents visual loss.