skip to main content

Temporal arteritis — ABEM Board MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateNeurological emergenciesTemporal arteritisABEM Board

A 74-year-old woman arrives with new unilateral headache and transient vision loss. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 146/82 mm Hg, HR 88/min. She has jaw claudication and a tender thickened temporal artery. ESR and CRP are elevated. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Start high-dose corticosteroids and arrange urgent temporal artery evaluation

Giant cell arteritis with visual symptoms requires immediate corticosteroids to prevent permanent vision loss; biopsy can follow treatment.

Reference: ACR/Vasculitis Foundation giant cell arteritis guideline