A Diagnostic Algorithm Based on a Simple Clinical Prediction Rule for the Diagnosis of Cranial Giant Cell Arteritis
10 Mar 2021-Journal of Clinical Medicine (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)-Vol. 10, Iss: 6, pp 1163
TL;DR: In this paper, a logistic regression model with candidate items was derived from a cohort of patients with suspected cranial giant cell arteritis (cGCA), and the diagnostic accuracy of the model was tested in the derivation cohort and in an independent validation cohort by receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis.
Abstract: Background: Risk stratification based on pre-test probability may improve the diagnostic accuracy of temporal artery high-resolution compression sonography (hrTCS) in the diagnostic workup of cranial giant cell arteritis (cGCA). Methods: A logistic regression model with candidate items was derived from a cohort of patients with suspected cGCA (n = 87). The diagnostic accuracy of the model was tested in the derivation cohort and in an independent validation cohort (n = 114) by receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis. The clinical items were composed of a clinical prediction rule, integrated into a stepwise diagnostic algorithm together with C-reactive protein (CRP) values and hrTCS values. Results: The model consisted of four clinical variables (age > 70, headache, jaw claudication, and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy). The diagnostic accuracy of the model for discrimination of patients with and without a final clinical diagnosis of cGCA was excellent in both cohorts (area under the curve (AUC) 0.96 and AUC 0.92, respectively). The diagnostic algorithm improved the positive predictive value of hrCTS substantially. Within the algorithm, 32.8% of patients (derivation cohort) and 49.1% (validation cohort) would not have been tested by hrTCS. None of these patients had a final diagnosis of cGCA. Conclusion: A diagnostic algorithm based on a clinical prediction rule improves the diagnostic accuracy of hrTCS.
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TL;DR: In this article, the use of ultrasound (US) of the temporal arteries is increasingly being considered as an alternative for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA), which is crucial to avoid the development of ischemic vascular complications, such as blindness.
Abstract: Early recognition of giant cell arteritis (GCA) is crucial to avoid the development of ischemic vascular complications, such as blindness. The classic approach to making the diagnosis of GCA is based on a positive temporal artery biopsy, which is among the criteria proposed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 1990 to classify a patient as having GCA. However, imaging techniques, particularly ultrasound (US) of the temporal arteries, are increasingly being considered as an alternative for the diagnosis of GCA. Recent recommendations from the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) for the use of imaging techniques for large vessel vasculitis (LVV) included US as the first imaging option for the diagnosis of GCA. Furthermore, although the ACR classification criteria are useful in identifying patients with the classic cranial pattern of GCA, they are often inadequate in identifying GCA patients who have the extracranial phenotype of LVV. In this sense, the advent of other imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, has made it possible to detect the presence of extracranial involvement of the LVV in patients with GCA presenting as refractory rheumatic polymyalgia without cranial ischemic manifestations. Imaging techniques have been the key elements in redefining the diagnostic work-up of GCA. US is currently considered the main imaging modality to improve the early diagnosis of GCA.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used high-resolution compression sonography (18 MHz) images to determine the association of arteriosclerosis, characterised by hyperechogenic intimal lesions (HIL), with wall thickness of the temporal and facial arteries in elderly patients with ocular arterial occlusions.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To determine the association of arteriosclerosis, characterised by hyperechogenic intimal lesions (HIL), with wall thickness of the temporal and facial arteries in elderly patients with ocular arterial occlusions. METHODS Patients suffering from non-arteritic ocular perfusion disorders were included. High-resolution compression sonography (18 MHz) images of the temporal arteries (frontal and parietal branch at the upper margin of the auricle) and facial arteries (at the crossing point of the artery over the mandible) were analysed for the presence of HIL (grade 0: absent; grade 1: moderate; grade 2: severe). Characteristics of patients with and without evidence of HIL >grade 1 were compared. RESULTS In total, 330 cranial artery segments of 55 patients were analysed. HIL ≥grade 1 was present in 13.0% of all artery segments and in 38.1% of all patients. Patients with HIL ≥grade 1 in at least one arterial segment displayed significantly increased maximum wall thickness of the temporal arteries (0.62±0.23 mm vs 0.50±0.13 mm; p<0.01) and facial arteries (0.71±0.20 mm vs 0.54±0.19 mm; p=0.01). Patients with at least one temporal or facial artery segment with HIL were older, more often male and more frequently suffered from diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION The presence of HIL goes along with a significantly increased wall thickness of the temporal and facial arteries. These findings should be considered when interpreting the results of sonography of the cranial arteries in the diagnostic workup of suspected giant cell arteritis.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the advancement in our understanding of vascular headache disorders, their clinical presentation and the developments in neuroimaging that facilitate diagnosis, and discuss the influence of Covid-19 on the management of patients with headache.
Abstract: Introduction Vascular headaches are secondary headache disorders with potentially devastating consequences if missed. Clinicians often struggle to distinguish these from primary headache disorders whereby there is no underlying structural pathology. Here, the authors describe the advancement in our understanding of vascular headache disorders, their clinical presentation and the developments in neuroimaging that facilitate diagnosis. Areas covered Here the authors discuss the definition of primary and secondary headache disorders. They review the literature on the presentation, choice of neuroimaging and diagnostic tools that can be used to diagnose specific vascular headaches including Carotid or Vertebral artery dissection, Stroke, Temporal Arteritis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral venous thrombosis, Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction syndrome, Primary angiitis, AV malformation and Genetic vasculopathy. The authors discuss the influence of Covid-19 on the management of patients with headache. Expert opinion Whilst developments in neuroimaging have been of paramount importance in the diagnosis of vascular headache disorders, there is no substitute for meticulous history taking and examination. Research has aided our understanding of clinical presentation, however further studies are needed as well as increased education of neurologists and acute physicians.
1 citations
TL;DR: The PET-CT as mentioned in this paper is der best-known bildgebender Verfahren in der Diagnostik der Riesenzellarteriitis, falsch positive Befunde konnen jedoch bei kardiovaskularem Risikoprofil.
Abstract: Klinischer Zugang Die Bestimmung der Pratestwahrscheinlichkeit auf Basis standardisierter Scoring-Systeme kann die Testgute bildgebender Verfahren in der Diagnostik der Riesenzellarteriitis erhohen. Bildgebende Diagnostik Die hochauflosende Sonografie der Gefaswand ist das Erstlinienverfahren in der Riesenzellarteriitis-Diagnostik, falsch positive Befunde konnen jedoch bei kardiovaskularem Risikoprofil, insbesondere bei Mannern jenseits des 70. Lebensjahres, vorkommen. Therapiekontrolle In der Therapiekontrolle ist Bildgebung unverzichtbar. Die PET-CT ist hier am besten untersucht, jedoch verbleiben Unklarheiten bezuglich der Befundinterpretation. Eine wertvolle alternative bzw. erganzende Methode stellt die Kontrastmittelsonografie dar.
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American College of Rheumatology1, Mayo Clinic2, Stanford University3, Johns Hopkins University4, University of Colorado Hospital5, Cleveland Clinic6, University of Calgary7, National Institutes of Health8, University of Kentucky9, University of Illinois at Chicago10, Harvard University11, SUNY Downstate Medical Center12, University of California, San Diego13
TL;DR: Criteria for the classification of giant cell (temporal) arteritis were developed by comparing 214 patients who had this disease with 593 patients with other forms of vasculitis, and 2 other variables were included: scalp tenderness and claudication of the jaw or tongue or on deglutition.
Abstract: Criteria for the classification of giant cell (temporal) arteritis were developed by comparing 214 patients who had this disease with 593 patients with other forms of vasculitis. For the traditional format classification, 5 criteria were selected: age greater than or equal to 50 years at disease onset, new onset of localized headache, temporal artery tenderness or decreased temporal artery pulse, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Westergren) greater than or equal to 50 mm/hour, and biopsy sample including an artery, showing necrotizing arteritis, characterized by a predominance of mononuclear cell infiltrates or a granulomatous process with multinucleated giant cells. The presence of 3 or more of these 5 criteria was associated with a sensitivity of 93.5% and a specificity of 91.2%. A classification tree was also constructed using 6 criteria. These criteria were the same as for the traditional format, except that elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate was excluded, and 2 other variables were included: scalp tenderness and claudication of the jaw or tongue or on deglutition. The classification tree was associated with a sensitivity of 95.3% and specificity of 90.7%.
2,204 citations
Journal Article•
1,156 citations
TL;DR: The task force recommends an early imaging test in patients with suspected LVV, with ultrasound and MRI being the first choices in GCA and TAK, respectively, which are the first EULAR recommendations providing up-to-date guidance for the role of imaging in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with (suspected) LVV.
Abstract: To develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of imaging modalities in primary large vessel vasculitis (LVV) including giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) standardised operating procedures were followed. A systematic literature review was conducted to retrieve data on the role of imaging modalities including ultrasound, MRI, CT and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) in LVV. Based on evidence and expert opinion, the task force consisting of 20 physicians, healthcare professionals and patients from 10 EULAR countries developed recommendations, with consensus obtained through voting. The final level of agreement was voted anonymously. A total of 12 recommendations have been formulated. The task force recommends an early imaging test in patients with suspected LVV, with ultrasound and MRI being the first choices in GCA and TAK, respectively. CT or PET may be used alternatively. In case the diagnosis is still in question after clinical examination and imaging, additional investigations including temporal artery biopsy and/or additional imaging are required. In patients with a suspected flare, imaging might help to better assess disease activity. The frequency and choice of imaging modalities for long-term monitoring of structural damage remains an individual decision; close monitoring for aortic aneurysms should be conducted in patients at risk for this complication. All imaging should be performed by a trained specialist using appropriate operational procedures and settings. These are the first EULAR recommendations providing up-to-date guidance for the role of imaging in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with (suspected) LVV.
669 citations
University of Tübingen1, University of Pavia2, Charité3, University of Leicester4, University of Barcelona5, University of Graz6, Istanbul University7, Paris Diderot University8, University of Birmingham9, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital10, Instituto de Medicina Molecular11, Peking Union Medical College Hospital12, University of Iceland13, University of East Anglia14, University of Oxford15
TL;DR: The recommendations for the management of LVV have been updated to facilitate the translation of current scientific evidence and expert opinion into better management and improved outcome of patients in clinical practice.
Abstract: BACKGROUND
Since the publication of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of large vessel vasculitis (LVV) in 2009, several relevant randomised clinical trials and cohort analyses have been published, which have the potential to change clinical care and therefore supporting the need to update the original recommendations.
METHODS
Using EULAR standardised operating procedures for EULAR-endorsed recommendations, the EULAR task force undertook a systematic literature review and sought opinion from 20 experts from 13 countries. We modified existing recommendations and created new recommendations.
RESULTS
Three overarching principles and 10 recommendations were formulated. We recommend that a suspected diagnosis of LVV should be confirmed by imaging or histology. High dose glucocorticoid therapy (40-60 mg/day prednisone-equivalent) should be initiated immediately for induction of remission in active giant cell arteritis (GCA) or Takayasu arteritis (TAK). We recommend adjunctive therapy in selected patients with GCA (refractory or relapsing disease, presence of an increased risk for glucocorticoid-related adverse events or complications) using tocilizumab. Methotrexate may be used as an alternative. Non-biological glucocorticoid-sparing agents should be given in combination with glucocorticoids in all patients with TAK and biological agents may be used in refractory or relapsing patients. We no longer recommend the routine use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy for treatment of LVV unless it is indicated for other reasons.
CONCLUSIONS
We have updated the recommendations for the management of LVV to facilitate the translation of current scientific evidence and expert opinion into better management and improved outcome of patients in clinical practice.
564 citations
TL;DR: One in 12 women and 1 in 20 men will develop an inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic disease during their lifetime, which can serve as useful guides in counseling patients regarding their lifetime risk of these conditions and have important implications regarding disease awareness campaigns.
Abstract: Objective Understanding of the personal risks for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other rheumatic diseases remains poor, despite advances in knowledge with regard to their pathogenesis, therapeutics, and clinical impact, in part because the personal lifetime risk of developing these diseases is unknown. This study was undertaken to estimate the lifetime risk of RA, as well as other inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), giant cell arteritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and Sjogren's syndrome, and to provide an overall estimate of the risk of developing inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic disease over a lifetime. Methods Using the incidence rates obtained from our population-based studies of rheumatic diseases among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, and mortality rates from life tables for the general population, we estimated the sex-specific lifetime risk of rheumatic disease. Results The lifetime risk of RA developing in US adults was 3.6% for women and 1.7% for men, and the lifetime risk of rheumatoid factor-positive RA was 2.4% for women and 1.1% for men. The second most common inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic disease was PMR, with a lifetime risk of 2.4% for women and 1.7% for men. The overall lifetime risk of inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic disease was 8.4% for women and 5.1% for men. Conclusion One in 12 women and 1 in 20 men will develop an inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic disease during their lifetime. These results can serve as useful guides in counseling patients regarding their lifetime risk of these conditions and have important implications regarding disease awareness campaigns.
419 citations