Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
06:35

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis

Published on: February 8, 2019

Giant cell arteritis: laboratory predictors of a positive temporal artery biopsy

Matthew D Walvick1, Michael P Walvick

  • 1PGY-2 Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco-Fresno, Fresno, California 93701, USA. mwalvick@gmail.com

Ophthalmology
|January 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

C-reactive protein (CRP) and thrombocytosis are significant predictors of a positive temporal artery biopsy in giant cell arteritis. Elevated CRP and platelet counts are more strongly associated with positive biopsies than erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis affecting large and medium-sized arteries.
  • Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is a key diagnostic tool for GCA.
  • Identifying reliable predictors of a positive TAB is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify laboratory predictors associated with a positive temporal artery biopsy.
  • To evaluate the predictive value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and platelet count for GCA diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cross-sectional study utilizing electronic health records from 1997-2006.
  • Analysis of 3001 patients who underwent TAB.
  • Calculation of odds ratios for ESR, CRP, and platelet count in relation to positive TAB results.

Main Results:

  • A positive TAB was associated with an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) between 47-107 mm/hr (OR 1.5).
  • A C-reactive protein (CRP) level >2.45 mg/dL increased the odds of a positive TAB by 5.3 times.
  • Platelet count >400,000/μL was associated with 4.2 times greater odds of a positive TAB.

Conclusions:

  • CRP levels >2.45 mg/dL are significant predictors of a positive TAB in GCA.
  • CRP and thrombocytosis (elevated platelet count) appear to be stronger predictors of a positive TAB than ESR.
  • These findings support the utility of CRP and platelet count in the diagnostic workup of suspected GCA.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery01:19

Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery

Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.  
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...