What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Juvenile Cranial Arteritis
• Juvenile Giant Cell Arteritis (JGCA)
• Juvenile Polymyalgia Rheumatica (JPMR)

What is Juvenile Temporal Arteritis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Juvenile Temporal Arteritis is a rare form of vasculitis, a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the blood vessels
• Unlike the classic form of temporal arteritis, this condition is generally diagnosed in late childhood or early adulthood and only affects the temporal arteries (located at the lower sides of the skull, directly underneath the temple)
• Affected people often have no signs or symptoms aside from a painless nodule or lump in the temporal region
• The exact underlying cause of the condition is unknown. It generally occurs sporadically in people with no family history of the condition
• Juvenile Temporal Arteritis is often treated with surgical excision and rarely recurs

(Source: Juvenile Temporal Arteritis; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Juvenile Temporal Arteritis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Juvenile Temporal Arteritis is a rare disorder. The presentation of symptoms may occur in late childhood or early adulthood
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Juvenile Temporal Arteritis? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been clearly identified for Juvenile Temporal Arteritis

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Juvenile Temporal Arteritis? (Etiology)

The cause of Juvenile Temporal Arteritis is not known at the present time. There is no association with any family history of the condition and is known to develop spontaneously.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Juvenile Temporal Arteritis?

The signs and symptoms of Juvenile Temporal Arteritis may include:

• Allergic rhinitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Eosinophilia
• Headache
• Skin nodule

(Source: Juvenile Temporal Arteritis; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How is Juvenile Temporal Arteritis Diagnosed?

Juvenile Temporal Arteritis is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Juvenile Temporal Arteritis?

The complications of Juvenile Temporal Arteritis may include:

• Low self-esteem due to presence of nodules on the face/forehead
• Recurrence of skin nodule after surgical excision

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Juvenile Temporal Arteritis Treated?

Surgical excision of the temporal skin nodule is the most common method of treatment for Juvenile Temporal Arteritis.

How can Juvenile Temporal Arteritis be Prevented?

• Currently, no preventive method or guidelines are available for Juvenile Temporal Arteritis, since its cause is unknown
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of disorders such as Juvenile Temporal Arteritis
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Juvenile Temporal Arteritis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Juvenile Temporal Arteritis is good, since the condition can be effectively treated with surgery
• In rare cases, the skin nodule may recur after surgery

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Juvenile Temporal Arteritis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/