Temporal artery biopsy in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: Does the end justify the means?

- Of the 129 temporal artery biopsies performed 17 (13.2%) were positive for Giant Cell Arteritis.
- 83% of patients had an American College of Rheumatology score of 3 or more and would not be biopsied in America.
- Colour Duplex Ultrasound scan now offers a greater sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of GCA.

BackgroundEarly temporal artery biopsy is recommended in all patients with suspected cranial GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis) by the BSR (British Society of Rheumatology) and BHPR (British Health Professionals in Rheumatology) guidelines. This should be performed within one week ideally.AimTo assess ACR (American College of Rheumatology) score at presentation and whether temporal artery biopsy result affects clinical management of the clinically suspected GCA patient.MethodCase records of all temporal artery biopsies performed within January 2012 until December 2014 were analysed for size and result of biopsy and this was correlated to clinical management following result.Results129 temporal arteries were biopsied with a total of 17 positive biopsy results. 10 biopsy samples were insufficient to confirm or refute GCA. 8 patients within the biopsies negative for GCA had their prednisolone therapy stopped. 5 patients had unknown follow up, with the remainder (89, 87.3%) of the patients continued prednisolone management for treatment of GCA for at least 6 weeks.ConclusionOverall 13.2% of our biopsies were positive for GCA and 87.3% of biopsy negative patients continued prednisolone therapy on clinical grounds. In the face of new diagnostic tests (high resolution MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), colour duplex USS (Ultra Sound Scan) and PET (Positive Emission Topography) can we justify invasive surgery to all patients on histological grounds when the results may not alter management? Further investigation is needed directly comparing newer imaging modalities to histology.