This observational study aims to enhance the description of the different ways Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) affects vision. The latest technology and knowledge are used to improve how we diagnose and predict patient outcomes. GCA is the most frequent vasculitis, an inflammation of vessels, in older adults. It involves large and medium-sized arteries and causes ischemic alterations such as stroke and blindness, through damage of extracranial arteries.
The primary objective is to compare the frequency of the various ocular findings between the main alterations of arteritic and non-arteritic aetiology, such as Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (A-AION) Vs. Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NA-AION) or Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) from GCA Vs. from other causes, through a comprehensive clinical and instrumental evaluation.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* For GCA group:
* Patients older than 18 years with clinically suspected or confirmed gigantocellular arteritis.
* Newly found visual involvement with suspected or confirmed correlation with vasculitis.
* Ability to express valid consent to study enrolment.
* For control group:
* Patients older than 18 years with the ability to express valid consent to study enrolment.
* Newly diagnosed acute visual impairment with GCA phenotypes (e.g. AION, CRAO) but without any correlation with vasculitis aetiology.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pre-existing ophthalmological pathologies that may modify best visual acuity and/or alter ophthalmological semeiotics.
* Concomitant active viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections, including active or latent tuberculosis treated for less than 4 weeks and HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV)
/hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, involving the eyes and orbital cavities.
* Concomitant systemic inflammations not attributable to GCA (inflammatory diseases in treatment-free remission are not excluded).
* Any other condition judged by the investigators to be a contraindication of eligibility
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Comparison of specific signs in A-AION vs. NA-AION and GCA-related CRAO vs. non-GCA-related.