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Effect of prior steroid treatment on temporal artery biopsy findings in giant cell arteritis

Abstract

Aim: To examine the effect of up to 6 weeks of corticosteroid treatment on the positive temporal artery biopsy rate in giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods: Prospective comparative clinical study of 11 patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria for diagnosis of GCA. Patients underwent temporal artery biopsy within 1 week, at 2–3 weeks, or after 4 weeks of corticosteroid treatment.

Results: Overall, nine of 11 (82%) patients had positive temporal artery biopsies. Six of seven (86%) biopsies performed after 4 or more weeks of steroid treatment were positive.

Conclusion: Temporal artery biopsy is useful several weeks after institution of steroids.

  • steroid treatment
  • temporal artery biopsy
  • giant cell arteritis

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.86.5.530

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