Biopsy-negative giant cell arteritis: Clinical spectrum and predictive factors for positive temporal artery biopsy

Epidemiology of giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica

“…A temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of GCA (6). Because corticosteroid therapy is required in most cases for more than 1 year in GCA, the pathologic confirmation of this vasculitis is advisable.…”

“…In most series of GCA, 10 -20% of biopsy samples are negative, although the rate may be as high as 40% (6,71,72). Interestingly, 2 population-based studies have shown that patients with negative biopsy samples have less frequency of severe ischemic complications than those with biopsy-proven GCA (6,73).…”

“…Interestingly, 2 population-based studies have shown that patients with negative biopsy samples have less frequency of severe ischemic complications than those with biopsy-proven GCA (6,73).…”

Ocular pulse amplitude as a diagnostic adjunct in giant cell arteritis

“…A classic study showed that an abnormal temporal artery on physical examination (i.e., tender, swollen, nodular or with reduced pulse) was associated with high predictive value for a positive TAB. 8 However, sensitivity of the TAB varies in different studies. Therefore, the search for additional tools that may improve the sensitivity of TAB is of main importance in patients with suspected GCA.…”

Giant Cell Arteritis: Visual Loss Is Our Major Concern

“…A population-based study suggested that the prevalence of severe ischemic complications, including permanent visual loss, may be reduced in biopsy-negative patients when compared with those in whom the diagnosis was confirmed by a positive temporal artery biopsy 20 .…”