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Giant cell arteritis — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

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HardVasculitisGiant cell arteritisSCE Rheumatology

A patient with high-probability giant cell arteritis started prednisolone five days ago and now has access to temporal-artery biopsy. What should be done?

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Correct answer: E — Proceed now; biopsy may remain positive after five treatment days

Treatment must begin immediately when GCA is strongly suspected, but confirmatory testing should still follow. Temporal-artery histology can remain diagnostic for several weeks after glucocorticoids start, although rapid biopsy or ultrasound is preferred.

Reference: BSR guideline on diagnosis and treatment of giant cell arteritis (Published January 2020; revision in development): https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/59/3/e1/5714024; EULAR imaging recommendations in large-vessel vasculitis — 2023 update (Published 2024): https://ard.bmj.com/content/83/6/741