Case report reveals giant cell arteritis mimicking temporomandibular joint disorder in a 67-year-old man, highlighting the diagnostic criteria needed to avoid misdiagnosis.
Background The variable symptoms of giant cell arteritis (GCA) make it difficult to diagnose, and it is often mistaken for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Case Presentation A 67‐year‐old man presented with pain in the right temporomandibular area. Right TMD was diagnosed, and splint therapy was provided, but with no resulting improvement. Blood tests showed that C‐reactive protein was elevated, and bilateral temporal arteries were engorged. GCA was confirmed on temporal artery biopsy. Pain improved on oral steroid therapy. Conclusion The symptoms of GCA resemble those of TMD. Detailed knowledge of the diagnostic criteria of GCA is important to avoid misdiagnosis.
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Watanabe et al. (2026) studied this question.
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