A Diagnostic Headache.

Glynn, Thomas; Leech, Michelle T; Goergen, Stacy K; Lin, Emily; Toodayan, Nadeem; Junckerstorff, Ralph · Med J Aust · 2026

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most prevalent systemic vasculitis of the elderly and can lead to irreversible vision loss and stroke. We report the case of an 84-year-old woman who presented with a persistent headache, prompting investigation for GCA, initially with a temporal artery ultrasound (TAUS) scan. The results were suggestive of GCA and the diagnosis was confirmed on a subsequent temporal artery biopsy (TAB). TAUS is now part of the classification criteria of GCA, and a diagnosis can be made without biopsy. TAB should be reserved for high-risk patients with a negative TAUS result.

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