What complication can arise from temporal arteritis if left untreated?

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the temporal arteries and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. One of the most significant risks associated with untreated temporal arteritis is blindness due to ischemic optic neuropathy.

This occurs because the inflammation can disrupt blood flow to the optic nerve, leading to ischemia (insufficient blood supply) and subsequent damage to the nerve. When blood supply is compromised, the optic nerve can suffer from a lack of oxygen and nutrients, which can ultimately result in vision loss. This complication is particularly urgent as it can happen quickly and often without warning, underscoring the importance of early recognition and treatment of temporal arteritis to preserve vision.

In contrast, while other options might relate to different medical conditions or complications of other types of vasculitis, they do not directly pertain to the primary and immediate risk posed by temporal arteritis. Therefore, understanding the specific complication of vision loss highlights the critical nature of prompt intervention in managing this condition.