Factors That Can Help in Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis, finds JAMA study
A meta-analysis study has identified and ranked the risk factors that determine the chances of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and can lead to an accurate diagnosis — or lower suspicion of the condition.
The analysis appeared in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Making a diagnosis of GCA can be challenging. Prompt diagnosis can avert visual loss. Diagnosis can be delayed in those without the classic cranial features, such as headaches.Current clinical guidelines recommend selecting diagnostic tests for giant cell arteritis (GCA) based on pretest probability that the disease is present, but how pretest probability should be estimated remains unclear.
Researchers undertook the study to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of symptoms, physical signs, and laboratory tests for suspected GCA.
Data Sources were taken from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from November 1940 through April 5, 2020, with observational studies describing patients with suspected GCA.
On analysis of 70 studies encompassing over 14,000 patients with suspected GCA, the findings with positive likelihood ratios rated as significant included-
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.