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Giant cell arteritis — RACP Written MCQ

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ModerateRheumatologyGiant cell arteritisRACP Written

A 69-year-old woman has 2 months of headache, scalp tenderness and jaw claudication. ESR is 92 mm/hour. She develops transient visual blurring in one eye and high-dose glucocorticoid therapy is started immediately. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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Correct answer: D — Temporal artery ultrasound or biopsy

Temporal artery ultrasound or biopsy can support giant cell arteritis diagnosis, but visual symptoms require immediate glucocorticoids before confirmatory testing.

Reference: Therapeutic Guidelines: Rheumatology; Australian rheumatology practice principles