Grossman et al listed criteria for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) when the temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is negative. The authors are from Chaim Sheba Medical Center and Tel-Aviv University in Israel.
Patient selection: suspected GCA with negative temporal artery biopsy
A diagnosis of giant cell arteritis is made if all of the following are present:
(1) The physician has diagnosed giant cell arteritis.
(2) The patient improved within 3 days of starting corticosteroid therapy (>= 40 mg prednisone per day).
(3) There is no alternative diagnosis that can explain the findings better after a thorough evaluation.
(4) The patient meets the ACR 1990 criteria for GCA.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
