QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
A temporal artery biopsy is the definitive investigation for giant cell arteritis. A temporal headache, scalp tenderness, and jaw claudication are strongly indicative of giant cell arteritis. Steroid treatment should be commenced promptly to prevent visual loss.
10007655
a
Temporal artery biopsy
QuestionChoice
This patient demonstrates a classic presentation of giant cell arteritis: temporal headache, jaw claudication, and scalp tenderness. ESR is the most sensitive test to diagnose this condition. However, the definitive investigation would be a temporal artery biopsy.
10007657
c
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
QuestionChoice
This patient is presenting with symptoms of giant cell arteritis: a temporal headache, jaw claudication, and scalp tenderness. The most appropriate investigation to diagnose this condition would be a temporal artery biopsy.
10007656
b
Full blood count (FBC)
QuestionChoice
This patient demonstrates a classic presentation of giant cell arteritis. It may be useful to also conduct a CT head if you suspected large vessel involvement. However, you should first conduct a temporal artery biopsy as the definitive investigation for this condition.
10007659
e
CT head
QuestionChoice
This patient demonstrates a classic presentation of giant cell arteritis. Therefore the definitive investigation is a temporal artery biopsy, not a lumbar puncture.
10007658
d
Lumbar puncture
Concept
Chapter
2693
3853
Giant Cell Arteritis
Topic
146
Rheumatology
14078
A 64-year-old female presents to the GP with a headache just lateral to her left eye that began a day ago. She has also noticed some pain on chewing food and scalp tenderness on the left-hand side. She reports normal vision in both eyes.

Which of the following can definitively diagnose the most likely diagnosis?
a