Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/85717
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Type: Journal article
Title: The use of temporal artery ultrasound in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis in routine practice
Author: Black, R.
Roach, D.
Rischmueller, M.
Lester, S.
Hill, C.
Citation: International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 2013; 16(3):352-357
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
Issue Date: 2013
ISSN: 1756-1841
1756-185X
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Rachel Black, Denise Roach, Maureen Rischmueller, Susan L. Lester and Catherine L. Hill
Abstract: Aim: The exact diagnostic role of temporal artery ultrasound (TAU) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a positive halo sign in patients undergoing TAU in a clinical setting, and to perform a review of existing evidence. Method: Patients who had undergone TAU at a single centre in Australia were included in the study. The presence or absence of a halo sign and whether it was unilateral or bilateral was determined retrospectively from radiology reports. Pathology results were used to determine which patients underwent a temporal artery biopsy and if the biopsy was positive or negative. A case note review was performed to determine presenting clinical features and if a clinical diagnosis of giant cell arteritis was made. The sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios of TAU compared to both biopsy and clinical diagnosis were calculated. Results: Fifty patients were identified as having had a TAU (28% male, mean age 69). When compared to biopsy-proven cases, the sensitivity of a halo sign was 40%, specificity 81%, positive likelihood ratio 2.1 and negative likelihood ratio 0.7. When compared to clinical diagnosis, the sensitivity was 42%, specificity 94%, positive likelihood ratio 7.1 and negative likelihood 0.6. Conclusions: Sensitivity and specificity results were comparable to the literature. A halo sign may preclude the need for biopsy in cases of high clinical suspicion and contraindications to surgery. Biopsy remains necessary in most cases, irrespective of whether a halo sign is present.
Keywords: Clinical practice; diagnosis; giant cell arteritis; temporal artery ultrasound
Description: Article first published online: 8 JUN 2013
Rights: © 2013 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.12108
Published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1756-185x.12108
Appears in Collections:Aurora harvest 2
Surgery publications

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