Echoes of Change: How Ultrasound Has Transformed Giant Cell Arteritis Detection

Maria Powell; Mohammad Bardi

doi:10.58931/crt.2024.1353

Authors

Maria Powell, MD, MSc (Med Ed), CIP, FRCPC Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Division of Rheumatology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
Mohammad Bardi, MD, FRCPC Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Division of Rheumatology, Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia Division of Rheumatology, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia Giant Cell Arteritis Fast Track Clinic Lead, Vancouver, British Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/crt.2024.1353

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of vasculitis affecting adults. The diagnosis of GCA is suspected in patients older than 50 years of age with a new headache and elevated inflammatory markers. Once the diagnosis of GCA is suspected, patients require urgent treatment with glucocorticoids to prevent ischemic complications such as blindness and stroke. As there are many causes for headache, diagnosing GCA can be a ‘headache’ for many rheumatologists. For years, rheumatologists have relied on the temporal artery biopsy (TAB) as the gold standard for diagnosing GCA, despite the 33–92% sensitivity. As patients with suspected GCA remain on high doses of glucocorticoids, which have multiple side-effects and potential adverse events, rapid access to tests that have a greater impact on clinical decision‑making is essential. Vascular imaging is a non‑invasive tool that can help diagnose, monitor, and predict the course of GCA. This article will focus on how ultrasound has transformed the detection of GCA and its potential to reduce some of the ‘headaches’ faced by both rheumatologists and patients.

Author Biographies

Maria Powell, MD, MSc (Med Ed), CIP, FRCPC, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Division of Rheumatology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Powell is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary and a locum rheumatologist in Calgary, Alberta. Her clinical and research interests are on the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) in rheumatology. She holds a master’s degree in medical education with a focus on MSUS education in rheumatology. She has completed training in MSUS through the Canadian Rheumatology Ultrasound Society (CRUS) and is currently enrolled in the Ultrasound Society of North American Rheumatologists (USSONAR) fellowship program. She received the emerging investigator excellence award from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 2023 to recognize her work on MSUS education in Canadian rheumatology residency programs.

Mohammad Bardi, MD, FRCPC, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Division of Rheumatology, Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia Division of Rheumatology, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia Giant Cell Arteritis Fast Track Clinic Lead, Vancouver, British Columbia

Dr. Bardi is a rheumatologist in Vancouver, British Columbia and a clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia (UBC). His focus in Rheumatology is on the use of ultrasound for the assessment of inflammatory arthritis and giant cell arteritis (GCA). He completed the Ultrasound Society of North American Rheumatologists (USSONAR) program and further international training in Norway and the United Kingdom. He is actively involved with the Canadian Rheumatology Ultrasound Society (CRUS) and USSONAR. He has established a GCA fast track clinic in Vancouver as well as a one-year fellowship in musculoskeletal ultrasound and GCA ultrasound training through UBC.

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Echoes of Change: How Ultrasound Has Transformed Giant Cell Arteritis Detection

Authors

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Abstract

Author Biographies

Maria Powell, MD, MSc (Med Ed), CIP, FRCPC, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Division of Rheumatology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta

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