Temporal Artery Biopsy Research Articles

Ischemic optic neuropathy as first presentation in patient with m.3243 A > G MELAS classic mutation

BackgroundMitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a systemic disorder in which multi-organ dysfunction may occur from mitochondrial metabolism failure. Maternally inherited mutations in the MT-TL1 gene are the most frequent causes for this disorder. Clinical manifestations may include stroke-like episodes, epilepsy, dementia, headache and myopathy. Among these, acute visual failure, usually in association with cortical blindness, can occur because of stroke-like episodes affecting the occipital cortex or the visual pathways. Vision loss due to optic neuropathy is otherwise considered a typical manifestation of other mitochondrial diseases such as Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).Case presentationHere we describe a 55-year-old woman, sister of a previously described patient with MELAS harbouring the m.3243A > G (p.0, MT-TL1) mutation, with otherwise unremarkable medical history, that presented with subacute, painful visual impairment of one eye, accompanied by proximal muscular pain and headache. Over the next weeks, she developed severe and progressive vision loss limited to one eye. Ocular examination confirmed unilateral swelling of the optic nerve head; fluorescein angiography showed segmental perfusion delay in the optic disc and papillary leakage. Neuroimaging, blood and CSF examination and temporal artery biopsy ruled out neuroinflammatory disorders and giant cell arteritis (GCA). Mitochondrial sequencing analysis confirmed the m.3243A > G transition, and excluded the three most common LHON mutations, as well as the m.3376G > A LHON/MELAS overlap syndrome mutation. Based on the constellation of clinical symptoms and signs presented in our patient, including the muscular involvement, and the results of the investigations, the diagnosis of optic neuropathy as a stroke-like event affecting the optic disc was performed. L-arginine and ubidecarenone therapies were started with the aim to improve stroke-like episode symptoms and prevention. The visual defect remained stable with no further progression or outbreak of new symptoms.ConclusionsAtypical clinical presentations must be always considered in mitochondrial disorders, even in well-described phenotypes and when mutational load in peripheral tissue is low. Mitotic segregation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) does not allow to know the exact degree of heteroplasmy existent within different tissue, such as retina and optic nerve. Important therapeutic implications arise from a correct diagnosis of atypical presentation of mitochondrial disorders.

P195 Use of the Giant Cell Arteritis Score (GCAPS) in a district general hospital

Abstract Background/Aims The Giant Cell Arteritis Score (GCAPS) was developed by the specialist team in Southend, Essex, UK in 2018. It is a clinically focused tool to aid diagnosis of GCA by providing a pre-test probability, with a threshold of greater than 9 denoting higher risk of GCA requiring further diagnostic testing. So far, it has been validated externally in patients in 2 centres. In all cases, scoring was completed by a rheumatology consultant. We are keen to validate it in our setting, a district general hospital without rapid access to vascular ultrasound, to determine whether it was a valid and reliable tool for assessing which patients required temporal artery biopsy and which patients could rapidly taper steroids following a negative result. We also aimed to see whether scoring could be completed by clinicians other than rheumatology consultants. Methods We retrospectively applied the GCAPS score to all patients referred as possible GCA to our service between November 2021 - April 2022 by reviewing clinical notes. A medical student (TS) with no prior experience was trained to use the score, with scoring independently repeated by a rheumatology consultant (RW). Results 34 patient records were reviewed. 14 (41%) were male, mean age 70.5 (range 49 - 89). 6 had biopsy confirmed GCA, 7 had a clinical diagnosis of GCA and 21 had a low probability of GCA. All 13 patients with biopsy confirmed or clinical GCA were scored > 9 by both assessors. There was GCAPS agreement in 7/34 patients (21%). Of 27 patients with differing scores, TS gave a higher score in 17 (50%). In 4 patients, there was a difference in probability threshold. In all cases, the patient was scored more highly by TS. None of the patients had a final diagnosis of GCA. 5 patients had known GCA and a relapse was being questioned. 2/5 had a flare - one clinical and one biopsy proven. The GCAPS was >9 in both patients. There were no missing data. Conclusion We have demonstrated that it is possible to train someone without prior experience to use GCAPS. There were differences in probability threshold in 4 patients, with the less experienced assessor tending to overscore. The GCAPS is applicable in our non-specialised centre and is feasible to use as evidenced by the lack of missing data. No patients with a GCAPS under 9 had a final diagnosis of GCA. This good negative predictive value is in keeping with previously published data. In a small patient number, the GCAPS threshold remained valid in distinguishing relapse. We feel GCAPS has two roles. It can be used to triage who needs review in rheumatology clinic. It can also be used in rheumatology clinic to determine who requires temporal artery biopsy. Disclosure R. Waller: None. S. Carty: None. T. Schmitt: None.

Incidence of giant cell arteritis mimicking non-arteritic anterior optic neuropathy

PurposeGiant cell arteritis (GCA) involving ophthalmic circulation often manifests as anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION), presenting with severe vision loss and pallid optic disc edema. Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) classically presents with segmental optic disc edema and corresponding altitudinal visual field defect (VFD) with small cup-to-disc ratio in the fellow eye. Differentiating these two entities is critical as GCA requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss in the fellow eye. This study investigated how often GCA mimics NAION at presentation. MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients with temporal artery biopsy (TAB) positive GCA with ocular manifestations seen at a tertiary neuro-ophthalmology practice between 2015 and 2020. Patients presenting with segmental non-pallid optic disc swelling and corresponding altitudinal VFD mimicking NAION were identified. ResultsThe clinical presentation of 7.1% (3/42) of patients with TAB-positive GCA mimicked NAION. Two of three patients had cup-to-disc ratio of <0.3 in the fellow eye. Two patients were women, mean age was 67.3 ± 6.5 years, and mean presenting visual acuity was 0.45 ± 0.48 LogMAR. Two patients had a normal temporal artery ultrasound. Two of three patients had at least one systemic symptom of GCA at presentation and all had elevation of one or both inflammatory markers. ConclusionsThere should be high index of suspicion for GCA, even in patients highly suspected to have NAION. Inflammatory markers must be checked in every patient with presumed NAION and TAB performed if one or both are elevated to avoid missing GCA.

Incidence of biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) in South Australia 2014-2020.

To determine the incidence of biopsy proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) in South Australia. Patients with biopsy-proven GCA were identified from pathology reports of temporal artery biopsies at state-based pathology laboratories, from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020. Incidence rates for biopsy-proven GCA were calculated using Australian Bureau of Statistics data for South Australian population sizes by age, sex, and calendar year. Seasonality was analyzed by cosinor analysis. There were 181 cases of biopsy-proven GCA. The median age at diagnosis of GCA was 76 years (IQR 70, 81), 64% were female. The estimated population incidence for people over 50 was 5.4 (95% CI 4.7, 6.1) per 100,000-person years. The female: male incidence ratio was 1.6 (95% CI 1.2, 2.2). There was no ordinal trend in GCA incidence rates by calendar year (p = 0.29). The incidence was, on average, highest in winter, but not significantly (p = 0.35). A cosinor analysis indicated no seasonal effect (p = 0.52). The incidence of biopsy-proven GCA remains low in Australia. A higher incidence was noted compared to an earlier study. However, differences in ascertainment and methods of GCA diagnosis may have accounted for the change.

Clinical Images: Tongue ulceration in giant cell arteritis associated with asymptomatic retinal ischemia

The patient, a 69-year-old female, presented with new-onset headache and facial and sinus pain initially treated by primary care with azithromycin for presumed sinusitis. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 114 mm/hour, and her C-reactive protein (CRP) level was 173.5 mg/l. Following antibiotics, she developed “thickened” tongue with white plaque (A) and was treated with oral nystatin for thrush. However, she subsequently developed masticatory and lingual claudication, a distal left tongue ulcer (A and B), and left temporal discomfort. A left temporal artery biopsy (TAB) showed histopathological findings consistent with giant cell arteritis (GCA). A retinal examination and fluorescein angiogram showed evidence of left eye retinal ischemia with presence of cotton wool spots, though asymptomatic and without visual field deficits. High-dose oral prednisone (100 mg/day) was started on the day of TAB (B). Within 48 hours, the headache and jaw and tongue claudication resolved. Seven days later, marked improvement in the tongue ulcer (C) was noted, and inflammatory markers had improved (ESR: 40 mm/hour; CRP level: 14.2 mg/l). Given significant clinical response, a prednisone taper without adjunct tocilizumab was used. A follow-up evaluation 3 months later (prednisone dose 10 mg/day) showed full resolution of the tongue ulcer (D), and the patient remained asymptomatic with a normal ESR (5 mm/hour) and CRP level (5.4 mg/l). Lingual manifestations in GCA include claudication, pain, edema, pallor, ulceration, and necrosis. Tongue claudication has been reported in approximately 3% of patients with GCA (1); however, tongue ulceration and frank necrosis are rare. GCA is considered the most common noninfectious vascular etiology of tongue necrosis, and its presence should prompt consideration and investigation for GCA. Visual ischemic features have been reported in up to 38% of patients with GCA with tongue ulceration or necrosis (2); therefore, all patients with GCA with tongue claudication or ulceration/necrosis should undergo detailed ophthalmologic examination. Prompt recognition and treatment initiation is paramount, and in this case, glucocorticoids preserved vision and resolved cranial and lingual symptoms. Disclosure Form Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

A Slice in the Right Direction – Novel use of Directional Atherectomy for Treatment of Upper Limb Vascular Insufficiency and Concurrent Diagnosis

Large-vessel vasculitides are well-recognized entities, affecting the aorta, supra-aortic branch vessels, cranial vessels, and less commonly, peripheral arteries. Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is one of the most frequent large-vessel vasculitides affecting elderly patients. Despite diagnostic criteria, the mainstay of definitive diagnosis has been temporal artery biopsies. More recently, adjuvant ultrasound has been used to identify skip lesions before the biopsy. Downstream ischemia affecting branch vessels has traditionally been managed by open revascularization due to patient age and risk of disease recurrence. Experience with endovascular strategies for the management of acute or chronic vasculitides has been steadily increasing. We present an unusual case of acute giant cell vasculitis, diagnosed and treated with the use of an endovascular atherectomy device. The patient was a 74-year-old woman, with prior history of polymyalgia rheumatica, long-standing immunosuppression, and new onset of significant left arm claudication and rest pain. She underwent treatment for a high-grade left axillary artery lesion with directional atherectomy and drug-coated angioplasty. She had a good angiographic result. The intraoperative atherectomy specimen revealed the presence of acute GCA which prompted treatment with an acute vasculitis regimen. She had good patency of the treated segment at 3-month follow-up with complete resolution of her symptoms.

Temporal Arteritis Caused by Tertiary Syphilis.

A 77-year-old man arrived at our hospital with bilateral shoulder pain persisting for several months and headache for 1 month. Giant cell arteritis with polymyalgia rheumatica was suspected. However, considering his medical history of testing positive for syphilis, we submitted a sample for a syphilis serology test, which yielded positive results. The Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay of cerebrospinal fluid was positive, and a temporal artery biopsy revealed vasculitis, confirming the diagnosis of tertiary syphilis. He was successfully treated for two weeks with penicillin G infusions. Symptoms reminiscent of giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica may reveal syphilis, which is called the "great imitator."

Clinical evidence and diagnosis of temporal arteritis: a concise systematic review

Introduction: Temporal arteritis (TA), or giant cell arteritis, is a systemic autoimmune vasculitis that affects patients over 50 years of age. Temporal artery biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis, although it has low sensitivity. It was shown that TA can lead to irreversible blindness in about 20% of untreated cases. Objective: A concise systematic review was carried out to contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of temporal arteritis, assessing whether a series of patients met the clinical and laboratory criteria for diagnosis, regardless of the biopsy result, as well as whether these results alter the management of these patients. Methods: The research was carried out from December 2022 to January 2023 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases, following the PRISMA rules for systematic review. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 140 articles were found, and a total of 32 articles were evaluated and 6 were included in this systematic review. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 32 studies with a high risk of bias and 43 studies that did not meet GRADE. It was concluded that, regardless of the biopsy result, all patients should immediately start treatment with corticosteroids. Early diagnosis and treatment must be performed to avoid compromising the contralateral eye. In addition, it is necessary to perform other diagnostic imaging tools to increase the sensitivity and closure of the diagnosis of temporal arteritis.

Is Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Necessary for the Initial Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis?

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an ophthalmological emergency that can be difficult to diagnose and prompt treatment is vital. We investigated the sequential diagnostic value for patients with suspected GCA using three biochemical measures as they arrive to the clinician: first, platelet count, then C-reactive protein (CRP), and lastly, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This retrospective cross-sectional study of consecutive patients with suspected GCA investigated platelet count, CRP, and ESR using diagnostic test accuracy statistics and odds ratios (ORs) in a sequential fashion. The diagnosis was established by experts at follow-up, considering clinical findings and tests including temporal artery biopsy. A total of 94 patients were included, of which 37 (40%) were diagnosed with GCA. Compared with those without GCA, patients with GCA had a higher platelet count (p < 0.001), CRP (p < 0.001), and ESR (p < 0.001). Platelet count demonstrated a low sensitivity (38%) and high specificity (88%); CRP, a high sensitivity (86%) and low specificity (56%); routine ESR, a high sensitivity (89%) and low specificity (47%); and age-adjusted ESR, a moderate sensitivity (65%) and moderate specificity (65%). Sequential analysis revealed that ESR did not provide additional value in evaluating risk of GCA. Initial biochemical evaluation can be based on platelet count and CRP, without waiting for ESR, which allows faster initial decision-making in GCA.

Animal models for large vessel vasculitis - The unmet need.

Our understanding of the pathogenesis of large vessel vasculitis (LVV) are mainly achieved by studying the arteries taken from temporal artery biopsy in giant cell arteries (GCA) or surgical or autopsy specimens in Takayasu arteritis (TAK). These artery specimens provide invaluable information about pathological changes in these conditions that GCA and TAK are similar but are distinctly different in immune cell infiltrate and distribution of inflammatory cells in anatomical locations. However, these specimens of established arteritis do not provide information of the arteritis initiation and early events which are impossible to obtain in human artery specimens. Animal models for LVV are needed but not available. Here, several approaches are proposed for experimentation to generate animal models to aid in delineating the interaction of immune reaction with arterial wall components.

Fast-track pathway for early diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis: the combined role of vascular ultrasonography and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET-computed tomography imaging.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a medical emergency, which can lead to irreversible blindness and other ischaemic vascular events if left untreated. Prompt access to specialist assessment, diagnostics in the form of a fast-track pathway (FTP) and access to appropriate treatment are key factors in preventing morbidity associated with this disease. Recent developments in vascular imaging prompted review of our management of GCA patients. Here, we present the newly implemented FTP in GCA at the University College London Hospital, with added vascular imaging in the form of temporal artery ultrasound (TAUS) and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET-computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET-CT) with temporal artery biopsy. The initial pilot data on the FTP showed a significant negative predictive value of the combined TAUS and 18 F-FDG PET-CT, and the vast majority of cases positive on imaging were confirmed by biopsy. Through the new FTP in GCA, the diagnosis was completed within 48-72 h, compared with the conventional pathway time of up to 2-3 weeks awaiting biopsy results. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of GCA enables commencement of corticosteroid (prednisolone) treatment in the appropriate patient population while avoiding unnecessary steroid exposure and toxicity in GCA-negative patients.

Updates on the diagnosis and monitoring of giant cell arteritis.

This mini-review offers a critical appraisal of the currently employed imaging or histopathological tools to diagnose and monitor giant cell arteritis (GCA). An overview of the most updated evidence and current application of color duplex ultrasonography (US), temporal artery biopsy (TAB), 18-fluorodeoxyglucose [18F] FDG-PET/CT, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography angiography is provided. The main limitations of each tool, and the most relevant research developments are discussed. The review highlights the complementary value of the available modalities to ensure a correct diagnosis of GCA, and to provide valuable prognostic information. Novel evidence is accumulating to support the role of imaging, and particularly US, as a monitoring tool for the disease, opening new perspectives for the future management of large vessel vasculitis.

Post-infectious vasculitis secondary to Campylobacter coli infection

•Vascular inflammation may be linked to Campylobacter coli infection.•Post-infectious vasculitis may cause relapsing fever after an acute infection.•18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography may be helpful for the diagnosis of post-infectious vasculitis. A 56-year-old male with no comorbidity was admitted for relapsing fever at 40°C with diarrhea and night sweats, 3 weeks after initial onset without microbiological screening in December 2020. Blood analysis showed C-reactive protein of 251.5 mg/l and negative cultures. A 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) revealed hypermetabolism highly suggestive of vasculitis affecting large and medium size arteries from upper and lower limbs, associated with highly hypermetabolic pan-colitis (Figure 1a). Stool culture was positive for Campylobacter coli. Temporal artery biopsy showed lymphocytic arteritis associated with eosinophils infiltrate, without any granuloma. A single dose of azithromycin allowed diarrhea resolution in 2 days and the inflammatory syndrome decreased after introduction of corticosteroids. The patient was treated for over 1 year, without relapse. FDG-PET/CT control after 2 years showed clear hypermetabolism regression (Figure 1b). Vascular involvements are rarely described in Campylobacter species infection but need specific follow-up to detect secondary aneurysm or stenosis. To our knowledge, diffuse vasculitis has never been previously described with Campylobacter coli [1Boissonneau S Graillon T Meyer M Brunel H Fuentes S Dufour H. Intracranial giant mycotic aneurysm without endocarditis and vasculitis: report of rare entity and review of literature.World Neurosurg. 2018; 119: 353-357https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2018.08.086Crossref PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar, 2Charbonnel A Carmoi T Lecoules S Bonnefoy S Algayres JP. Vascular manifestations due to Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus infection: report of two cases.Rev Med Interne. 2012; 33: 643-645https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revmed.2012.08.011Crossref Scopus (2) Google Scholar, 3Torphy DE Bond WW. Campylobacter fetus infections in children.Pediatrics. 1979; 64: 898-903https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.64.6.898Crossref PubMed Google Scholar]. Clinical and histological findings were not suggestive of giant cell arteritis, the main differential diagnosis for large size vessels vasculitis after 50 years. FDG-PET/CT may help diagnose post-infectious vasculitis in case of relapsing fever after an acute infection. The authors have no competing interests to declare.

A Case of Subtype Giant Cell Arteritis Without Symptoms of Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Purpose: We report a case of papilledema without the typical symptoms of arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, ultimately diagnosed as a subtype of giant cell arteritis, which has not been reported previously in Korea.Case summary: A 72-year-old man visited the hospital with decreased visual acuity in his left eye of 0.02 that had occurred 1 week prior. Optic disc swelling and relative afferent pupillary disorder were also evident in the left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed no specific findings, leading to a diagnosis of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Afterwards, there was no improvement in visual acuity, and optic nerve atrophy occurred. Six months later, the patient complained of decreased visual acuity in the contralateral eye; the same clinical findings as in the left eye were confirmed. Temporal artery biopsy was performed, ultimately revealing a subtype of giant cell arteritis.Conclusions: This case was finally diagnosed as a subtype of giant cell arteritis through temporal artery biopsy, despite the absence of typical clinical symptoms of this condition. Although giant cell arteritis is rare in Korea, it can cause permanent blindness. Therefore, the possibility of giant cell arteritis should always be considered with optic disc swelling in both eyes.

Presenting Features of Giant Cell Arteritis with Active Versus Healed Arteritis on Biopsy

ABSTRACT Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is often categorised as ”active” or ”healed” on temporal artery biopsy (TAB). The purpose of this study was to compare the initial clinical presentation of patients with GCA according to active versus healed arteritis on TAB. A retrospective chart review was performed for patients with biopsy-proven GCA (BP-GCA) at a single academic medical institution from a previously reported cohort. The arteritis on TAB was categorised as “active” or “healed” based on the pathological reports. Demographic information, clinical presentation, past medical history, and test results were collected from the date of TAB. These baseline characteristics were entered into the GCA Risk Calculator. Of 85 patients with BP-GCA, 80% had active and 20% had healed disease according to histopathology. A higher percentage of those with active arteritis had ischaemic optic neuropathy (ION) (36% versus 6%, p = .03), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates (92% versus 63%, p = .01), elevated C-reactive protein levels (79% versus 46%, p = .049), GCA risk score > 7.5% (99% sensitivity, 100% versus 71%, p < .001), higher mean GCA risk calculator scores (neural network p = .001; logistic regression p = .002). Patients with healed arteritis were less likely to have visual manifestations than the active arteritis group (38% versus 71%, p = .04). Patients with active vasculitis on biopsy had higher rates of ION and elevated inflammatory markers, as well as higher predictive scores from the GCA risk calculator. Further research is needed regarding correlation of biopsy findings and risk of complications or relapses.

Quality standards for the care of people with giant cell arteritis in secondary care.

GCA is the commonest primary systemic vasculitis in adults, with significant health economic costs and societal burden. There is wide variation in access to secondary care GCA services, with 34% of hospitals in England not having any formal clinical pathway. Quality standards provide levers for change to improve services. The multidisciplinary steering committee were asked to anonymously put forward up to five aspects of service essential for best practice. Responses were qualitatively analysed to identify common themes, subsequently condensed into domain headings, and ranked in order of importance. Quality standards and metrics for each domain were drafted, requiring a minimum 75% agreement. 13 themes were identified from the initial suggestions. Nine quality standards with auditable metrics were developed from the top 10 themes. Patient Access, glucocorticoid use, pathways, ultrasonography, temporal artery biopsy, PET scan access, rheumatology/ophthalmology expertise, education, multidisciplinary working have all been covered in these quality standards. Access to care is a strand that has run through each of the developed standards. An audit tool was developed as part of this exercise. These are the first consensus auditable quality standards developed by clinicians from rheumatology and ophthalmology, nursing representatives and involvement of a patient charity. We hope that these standards will be adopted by commissioning bodies to provide levers for change from the improvement of patient care of individuals with GCA.

A Retrospective Study of the Temporal Artery Biopsies Performed in the Dermatology Department of Alicante University Hospital From 2010 to 2020.

A Retrospective Study of the Temporal Artery Biopsies Performed in the Dermatology Department of Alicante University Hospital From 2010 to 2020.

Evaluation of Arterial Histopathology and microRNA Expression That Underlie Ultrasonography Findings in Temporal Arteries of Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis.

The aim of this study was to assess the interrelation between vascular ultrasonography (US) findings, histopathological data, and the expression of selected dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in giant cell arteritis (GCA). The study included data on the clinical parameters, US measurements, and temporal artery biopsies (TABs) of 46 treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with GCA and 22 age-matched non-GCA patient controls. We performed a comprehensive comparative and correlation analysis along with generation of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to ascertain the diagnostic performance of US examination parameters and selected miRNAs for GCA diagnosis. We showed significant differences in the US-measured intima-media thickness of the temporal arteries, the presence of a halo sign, and the presence of luminal stenosis between GCA-positive/TAB-positive, GCA-positive/TAB-negative, and non-GCA patients. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between several histopathological parameters, US-measured intima-media thickness, and the halo sign. We found that the significant overexpression of miR-146b-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-511-5p, and miR-21-5p, and the under-expression of the miR-143/145 cluster, miR-30a-5p, and miR-125a-5p, coincides and is associated with the presence of a halo sign in patients with GCA. Notably, we determined a high diagnostic performance of miR-146b-5p, miR-21-3p, and miR-21-5p expression profiles in discriminating GCA patients from non-GCA controls, suggesting their potential utilization as putative biomarkers of GCA. Taken together, our study provides an insight into the US-based diagnostic evaluation of GCA by revealing the complex interrelation of clearly defined image findings with underlying vascular immunopathology and altered arterial tissue-specific miRNA profiles.

The Effect of Corticosteroids on Temporal Artery Biopsy Positivity in Giant Cell Arteritis: Timing is Everything.

Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) remains the standard criterion for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Temporal artery biopsy is suggested to be performed within 2 weeks from the initiation of corticosteroids. However, the effects of TAB timing on the sensitivity of its findings still warrant further investigation. We reviewed the medical records of patients with GCA from a tertiary medical center in Germany over an 8-year period. We analyzed data from 109 patients with a median age of 76 years and a median time from glucocorticoid treatment to TAB of 4 days. Approximately 60% of biopsies were positive. Our analysis yielded a nonsignificant trend toward shorter duration of corticosteroid treatment in the TAB(+) group ( p = 0.06). A more than 7 days' duration of steroid treatment was independently linked with lower rates of positive TAB (adjusted odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-1.00). We conclude that the duration of corticosteroid treatment seems to affect the positivity of TAB in patients with suspected GCA. Further larger studies are required to confirm the generalizability of our findings.

Validating the Clinical Value of Temporal Artery Biopsy

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a potentially devastating disease that may require treatment with high-dose steroids. Traditionally, diagnosis requires patients to meet at least 3 of 5 clinical criteria, one of which is a positive temporal artery biopsy (TAB). Vascular surgeons are often asked to perform TAB though it is not necessarily required for diagnosis or management. This study aimed to determine if TAB results altered management of patients with a concern for GCA by changing steroid use postoperatively in our health care system. A retrospective review at a single-center tertiary care hospital was performed between 2007 and 2018. The inclusion criteria were patients greater than 18years old with complete steroid treatment records who underwent a temporal artery biopsy due to concern for GCA. Steroid use and duration of treatment both pre- and post-operative were collected and analyzed. Eighty-three of 117 cases reviewed met inclusion criteria. Ninety-one percent (76) of patients had a negative biopsy. Twenty-nine percent (23) of negative biopsies met criteria for GCA prior to biopsy. Of those with a negative biopsy, steroids were continued in 68% (52) of patients after 30days, 49% (37) after 90days and 45% (34) after 180days. Steroids were never started in 11% (6). One patient with a positive biopsy was discontinued on steroids due to intolerance. There was no statistically significant difference in duration of steroids between those with a positive and negative biopsy (average 610 and 787days respectively; P=0.682). Average follow up was 33months. The duration of steroid use for patients with concern for GCA was not found to be altered by the performance of a TAB at our institution. Given the extremely low yield and absence of impact on steroid duration, TAB is not a useful diagnostic test at our institution. Similar reviews are recommended to determine the utility of TAB at other institutions that may differ in patient population or prescribing practices.