Diagnosis of Temporal arteritis

Diagnostic Test list for Temporal arteritis:

The list of medical tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Temporal arteritis includes:

Temporal artery biopsy
See also tests for Polymyalgia rheumatica - many patients also have Polymyalgia rheumatica

Temporal arteritis Diagnosis: Book Excerpts

Tests and diagnosis discussion for Temporal arteritis:

Doctors and patients both need to be aware of the risk of giant cell arteritis in people with polymyalgia rheumatica and should be on the lookout for symptoms of the disorder. Severe headaches, jaw pain, and vision problems are typical symptoms of giant cell arteritis. In addition, physical examination may reveal an abnormal temporal artery: tender to the touch, inflamed, and with reduced pulse. Because of the possibility of permanent blindness, a temporal artery biopsy is recommended if there is any suspicion of giant cell arteritis.

In a person with giant cell arteritis, the biopsy will show abnormal cells in the artery walls. Some patients showing symptoms of giant cell arteritis will have negative biopsy results. In such cases the doctor may suggest a second biopsy. (Source: excerpt from Questions and Answers About Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis: NIAMS)

Diagnostic Tests for Temporal arteritis: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about diagnostis of Temporal arteritis.

Chronic granulomatous disease: Diagnosis
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Clinical features of osteomyelitis, pneumonia, liver abscess, or chronic lymphadenopathy in a young child provide the first clues to CGD diagnosis.

Confirming diagnosis An important tool for confirming this diagnosis is the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test. A clear yellow dye, NBT is normally reduced by neutrophil metabolism, resulting in a color change from yellow to blue. Quantifying this color change estimates the degree of neutrophil metabolism.

Patients with CGD show impaired NBT reduction, indicating abnormal neutrophil metabolism. Another test measures the rate of intracellular killing by neutrophils; in CGD, killing is delayed or absent.

Other laboratory values may support the diagnosis or help monitor disease activity. Osteomyelitis typically causes elevated white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate; bone scans help locate and size such infections. Recurrent liver or lung infection may eventually cause abnormal function studies. Cell-mediated and humoral immunity are usually normal in CGD, although some patients have hypergammaglobulinemia.

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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Polymyalgia: History
(The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)

Is the onset insidious or acute? What body areas are involved? Is there associated joint pain? Does the patient complain of weakness? Is fever or prominent fatigue present (Chapters 2.5 and 2.6)? Is the patient’s sleep disturbed? Is depression an overriding symptom? Look for precipitating events. Is there domestic abuse? Could there be any potential emotional or financial gain from the symptoms? Are there any symptoms suggestive of the diseases mentioned in Table 12.10? Take a careful medication, travel, occupational, and family history.

Physical examination

A. Musculoskeletal. Inspect for muscle atrophy. Palpate for muscle tenderness. Is any tenderness diffuse or focal in nature? Evaluate joint range of motion and gait.

B. Neurologic. Assess muscle strength and cranial nerve function.

C. Other. Palpate for scalp tenderness and tender areas or nodules localized to the temporal or occipital arteries. Look for rash.

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Source: The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter, 2000