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Giant cell arteritis — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateHeadacheGiant cell arteritisMCCQE Part 1

A 73-year-old woman has new unilateral temporal headache, jaw claudication and transient visual blurring. ESR and CRP are elevated and the temporal artery is tender. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Start high-dose glucocorticoids immediately and arrange temporal artery ultrasound or biopsy

Giant cell arteritis threatens irreversible vision loss, so glucocorticoids must be started immediately when suspected. Biopsy or ultrasound supports diagnosis but should not delay treatment. New headache after age 50 with jaw claudication is not typical migraine and should be treated as a red flag.

Reference: Canadian Rheumatology Association practice; provincial GCA pathways