AB1320 DOPPLER ULTRASOUND IN GIANT CELL ARTERITIS: WHICH TERRITORIES SHOULD WE EXPLORE? A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE (2024)

FAQs

What are the ultrasound findings in giant cell arteritis? ›

Four pathological characteristics can be found by US in GCA: wall thickening (halo sign; Fig. 2), non-compressible arteries (compression sign; Fig. 3), stenosis and vessel occlusion. In GCA, cell infiltrates and oedema occur particularly in the media, potentially extending to the intima and the adventitia.

Biopsy. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis is by taking a small sample (biopsy) of the temporal artery. This artery is situated close to the skin just in front of your ears and continues up to your scalp.

Superficial temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is the criterion standard for diagnosing temporal arteritis. TAB should be obtained almost without exception in patients in whom GCA is suspected clinically.

Patients suspected of having GCA should undergo a biopsy or color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) of the temporal artery. Temporal artery biopsy: Traditionally, the gold standard diagnostic test for detecting GCA temporal artery biopsy has some limitations.

GCA commonly affects arteries in the head and neck. This condition can cause pain and tenderness in the soft part at the side of the head in between your eyes and ears, known as the temples. When the condition affects this part of the head it can be called temporal arteritis.

Temporal artery biopsy is the 'gold standard' diagnostic test. It is the best way to diagnose giant cell arteritis and is very helpful with patients who do not respond to long-term treatment as expected.

US, PET, MRI, and/or CT may be used for detection of mural inflammation and/or luminal changes in extracranial arteries to support the diagnosis of large-vessel GCA.

Giant cell arteritis causes inflammation of certain arteries, especially those near the temples. The most common symptoms of giant cell arteritis are head pain and tenderness — often severe — that usually affects both temples. Head pain can progressively worsen, come and go, or subside temporarily.

Results 87 patients (51 females, 36 males) were included, their mean age at the time of GCA diagnosis was 73.9±8.4 and 75±8.1 years, respectively. The calculated mean life expectancy for this group of patients, from the time of diagnosis, was 14.1±6 years for females and 12±5.2 for males.

In the ED, TAUS can be used to quickly rule out temporal arteritis while avoiding unindicated steroid treatment, which can cause serious morbidity in elderly patients. Temporal artery biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing temporal arteritis.

When should you suspect giant cell arteritis? ›

The most common giant cell arteritis symptom is a throbbing, continuous headache on one or both sides of your forehead. Other temporal arteritis symptoms may include: Fatigue. Fever.

Irreversible blindness, the most commonly feared complication, results from necrosis of the posterior ciliary branch of the ophthalmic artery and is usually preventable by early diagnosis and corticosteroid treatment.

If the symptoms and impairments of your arteritis are severe enough to affect your ability to function or work, you may be eligible for long term disability insurance benefits.

Giant cell arteritis, also referred to as temporal arteritis, is a form of vasculitis which predominantly affects older people. It must be treated urgently, as it is associated with a significant risk of permanent visual loss, stroke, aneurysm and possible death.

Compared with clinical diagnosis made by the treating rheumatologist, temporal artery ultrasound had a sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 95.3%.

Temporal artery biopsy has long been considered the gold standard for diagnosis of GCA. Although it is considered to be a minor invasive procedure, it is a procedure nonetheless.

In GCA patients, ultrasound of temporal and axillary arteries has many advantages: it is widely available and it can be performed by the physician himself. The suspected diagnosis can be confirmed or excluded immediately. Ultrasound is not invasive and has no relevant side effects.

Generally, signs and symptoms of giant cell arteritis include: Persistent, severe head pain, usually in your temple area. Scalp tenderness. Jaw pain when you chew or open your mouth wide.