Prevalence of a Normal C-Reactive Protein with an Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Biopsy-Proven Giant Cell Arteritis

Although most patients with GCA have both an elevated ESR and CRP, there can be nonconcordance of the 2 blood tests. Although such nonconcordance is most often a normal ESR but an elevated CRP, the finding of an elevated ESR and a normal CRP also is consistent with GCA. The use of both tests provides a slightly greater sensitivity for the diagnosis of GCA than the use of either test alone.