QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
ANCA testing is used to evaluate for certain types of vasculitis, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis. GCA is not associated with the presence of ANCA.
10028009
d
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)
QuestionChoice
A temporal artery biopsy is the definitive investigation to confirm GCA. The characteristic findings in GCA include granulomatous inflammatory changes within the artery wall and giant cells. However, it is not a first-line test in suspected GCA.
10028008
c
Temporal artery biopsy
QuestionChoice
A non-contrast CT head can help identify certain causes of headaches, such as intracranial bleeding, but may not provide specific information about GCA.
10028007
b
Non-contrast CT head
QuestionChoice
This presentation is highly suggestive of giant cell arteritis (GCA), a type of vasculitis that primarily affects the temporal arteries. ESR is an important investigation in the context of GCA as it is a non-specific inflammatory marker that is commonly raised in this condition and can help support the diagnosis.
10028006
a
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
QuestionChoice
An FBC may provide information about a patient's overall health and detect anaemias or other abnormalities.
10028010
e
Full blood count (FBC)
Concept
Chapter
2693
3948
Headache
Topic
141
Neurology
17999
A 65-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a sudden-onset headache and scalp tenderness. On fundoscopy, her optic disc is swollen and pale with blurred margins.

Which of the following is the next best investigation?
a