Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) / Temporal Arteritis - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Tests that help to diagnose giant cell arteritis are:

• ESR and C Reactive Protein (CRP) - These tests are higher than in normal individuals. However, they only indicate that the patient has some inflammation but does not confirm temporal arteritis
• Blood counts - Blood counts may show an increase in the number of white blood cells and a decrease in red blood cells
• Liver function tests - Liver enzymes may be raised
• Color duplex sonography - Color duplex sonography is a radiological procedure that helps to visualize the temporal arteries can help to diagnose the condition
• Biopsy - Biopsy of the temporal artery helps to clinch the diagnosis
• Other scans like PET scan and MRI with angiography may also be used to diagnose temporal arteritis
• Eyes should also be examined in detail to rule out complications

A patient is diagnosed as suffering from temporal arteritis if they fulfil at least 3 of the following 5 criteria:

• The patient is more than 50 years old
• The patient suffers from a headache that has begun recently or he/she complains of a pain localized to a part of the head
• When the doctor touches the head over the temporal artery, the patient feels pain and the doctor may find that the force of the pulse is reduced
• A blood test called Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate or ESR is more than 50 mm/h indicating inflammation
• A biopsy taken of the temporal artery is abnormal with inflammation