Vasculitis & polymyalgia rheumatica
Evolution of the Diagnostic Paradigm for Giant Cell Arteritis: From Histopathology to Multimodal Imaging Integration
Authors' conclusion
Noninvasive, multimodal imaging has redefined the diagnostic paradigm of GCA.
Study context
- Population
- Studies of diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) (PubMed and Embase)
- Participants
- 36 high-impact studies
- Comparison
- Noninvasive imaging modalities vs temporal artery biopsy (TAB) for diagnosis of GCA
- Outcome
- Diagnostic accuracy
Methodological detailsPRISMA 2020
- PRISMA 2020
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
| Group | Pooled sensitivity | Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|
| Color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) | 88-93% | — not stated in the abstract |
| TAB | — not stated in the abstract | 40-70% |
Pooled sensitivity
Color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS)88-93%
TAB— not stated in the abstract
Sensitivity
Color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS)— not stated in the abstract
TAB40-70%
— not stated in the abstract
Further pooled results
Fast-track clinic (FTC) pathways
- Diagnostic latency reduced to
- 24-72 hours
- Lowered risk of permanent visual loss by
- 60-80%
18F-FDG PET/CT
- Useful for systemic inflammatory burden and identifying large-vessel involvement associated with higher relapse risk
Original publication
Evolution of the Diagnostic Paradigm for Giant Cell Arteritis: From Histopathology to Multimodal Imaging Integration. J Rheumatol. Published 1 April 2026. doi:10.
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