Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis

Ocular pulse amplitude as a diagnostic adjunct in giant cell arteritis

“…1 However, the diagnostic value of individual clinical features and optimal diagnostic procedures in patients with suspected GCA is subject of on-going discussions. 2 There is recent evidence that the frequently employed American College of Rheumatology criteria should not be used to determine the presence or absence of GCA and that all patients suspected of having GCA should undergo a temporal artery biopsy (TAB). 3,4 On the other hand, TAB is a surgical procedure and not without risk and discomfort for the patient.…”

Giant cell arteritis: Diagnosis and treatment

“…21 These criteria are only qualifiers, and their diagnostic utility is questionable. 23,24 The most consistently reported finding is the halo sign, a concentric hypoechoic thickening of the arterial wall. 23,24 The most consistently reported finding is the halo sign, a concentric hypoechoic thickening of the arterial wall.…”

“…21,22 Duplex ultrasonography of the temporal arteries can be useful in the diagnosis of GCA. 23,24 A number of authors have also suggested that a compatible duplex ultrasonography finding could be sufficient to establish the diagnosis of GCA, without the need for a biopsy. 23,24 A number of authors have also suggested that a compatible duplex ultrasonography finding could be sufficient to establish the diagnosis of GCA, without the need for a biopsy.…”

“…23,24 The most consistently reported finding is the halo sign, a concentric hypoechoic thickening of the arterial wall. 24 It should be noted that the halo sign is infrequently observed in cases with no transmural inflammation. 24 It should be noted that the halo sign is infrequently observed in cases with no transmural inflammation.…”