Lingual infarction in cranial arteritis

Abstract

Cranial arteritis is commonly found in elderly individuals with headache and visual loss. Although otolaryngologic manifestations of cranial arteritis are said to be infrequent, approximately 25% of patients may have complaints or objective findings limited to the oral cavity. Masticatory claudication, tongue pain, and frank lingual infarction are the most common and should be recognized as indicators of a serious underlying arteritis. These symptoms are often confusing to internists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists, resulting in delays in diagnosis and initiation of proper therapy.