[Doppler examination in temporal arteritis. Preliminary results (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Neurology
• Ophthalmology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Context:

• Horton's disease (Giant Cell Arteritis) is a vasculitis affecting large and medium arteries.
• Ophthalmological complications, including amaurosis, are a significant concern in Horton's disease.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of Doppler ultrasound in Horton's disease.
• To assess the impact of corticotherapy on vascular abnormalities in Horton's disease.
• To determine the predictive value of Doppler ultrasound for ophthalmological complications.

Summary:

• Doppler ultrasound examination of cervical, temporal, and ophthalmic arteries was performed on nine patients with histologically confirmed Horton's disease before and after corticotherapy.
• Excellent correlation (80%) was observed between histological findings and Doppler results regarding lesion severity.
• Circulatory slowing and altered peak velocities in ophthalmic vessels were noted in 6/9 patients, with major abnormalities in 3, including two with amaurosis.
• Post-corticotherapy, Doppler curves normalized, showing improved shape and amplitude.

Impact:

• Doppler ultrasound demonstrates diagnostic value for Horton's disease.
• This imaging technique can predict the risk of vision-threatening ophthalmological complications.
• Doppler ultrasound facilitates more effective surveillance of corticotherapy efficacy in managing Horton's disease.