Temporal Arteritis: The Disease and the Alternative to Biopsy for its Diagnosis.

Abstract

There is evidence to suggest that ultrasound is as accurate if not better in diagnosing temporal arteritis in patients presenting with symptoms suggesting the disease. Positive ultrasound findings are highly suggestive of the disease. Negative findings are highly suggestive of a non-temporal arteritis diagnosis. Ultrasound and biopsy have a high level of agreement in the diagnosis of temporal arteritis. When preformed by a skilled technician, ultrasound can be used to replace biopsy in most patients with clinical suspicion of the disease and limit the number of false negative biopsies in less clear situations.