Purpose: To determine the positive yield (utility rate) of temporal artery biopsy (TAB) in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA). Study Design: Systematic review (CRD42017078508) and meta-regression. Materials and Methods: All articles concerning TAB for suspected GCA with English language abstracts from 1998 to 2017 were retrieved. Articles were excluded if they exclusively reported positive TAB, or only cases of known GCA. Where available, the pre-specified predictors of age, sex, vision symptoms, jaw claudication, duration of steroid treatment prior to TAB, specimen length, bilateral TAB, and use of ultrasound/MRI (imaging) were recorded for meta-regression. Results: One hundred and thirteen articles met eligibility criteria. The I 2 was 92%, and with such high heterogeneity, meta-analysis is unsuitable. The median yield of TAB was 0.25 (95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.27), with interquartile range 0.17 to 0.34. On univariate meta-regression age (coefficient 0.012, p = 0.025) was the only statistically significant patient factor associated with TAB yield. Conclusions: Systematic review revealed high heterogeneity in the yield of TAB. The median utility rate of 25% and its interquartile range provides a benchmark for decisions regarding the under/ overutilization of TAB and aids in the evaluation of non-invasive alternatives for the investigation of GCA.

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Nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) has been reported as a rare occurrence following cataract surgery. Bilateral sequential NAION following cataract surgery is extremely rare. We report an 83-year-old male who developed bilateral sequential NAION within 5 and 3 weeks of undergoing uneventful cataract surgeries in each eye. A brief review of the literature on this topic is provided. This case serves to add to the ongoing debate about the association between cataract surgery and NAION.

Purpose of reviewThe primary aim of this review is to describe the clinical course, salient imaging features, and relevant serological profiles of common optic neuritis (ON) subtypes. Key diagnostic challenges and treatment options will also be discussed. Recent findingsON is a broad term that describes an inflammatory optic nerve injury arising from a variety of potential causes. ON can occur sporadically, however there is particular concern for co-associated central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory syndromes including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorders (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated disease (MOGAD). The ON subtypes that often herald MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD differ with respect to serological antibody profile and neuroimaging characteristics, yet there is significant overlap in their clinical presentations. A discerning history and thorough examination are critical to rendering the correct diagnosis. SummaryOptic neuritis subtypes vary with respect to their long-term prognosis and accordingly, require different acute treatment strategies. Moreover, delays in identifying MOGAD, and certainly NMOSD, can be highly detrimental because affected individuals are vulnerable to permanent vision loss and neurologic disability from relapses.