Giant cell arteritis: Validity and reliability of various diagnostic criteria

Abstract

PURPOSE: To ascertain the validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of various signs and symptoms of and diagnostic tests for early diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. METHODS: From 1973 to 1994, we studied 363 patients who had temporal artery biopsy for suspected giant cell arteritis. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation and had erythrocyte sedimentation rates determined; since 1985, 223 patients had their C-reactive protein values estimated. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were also estimated in 749 and 138 control subjects, respectively. Signs and symptoms of giant cell arteritis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels among patients with positive and negative biopsies were compared. RESULTS: Of the 363 patients, temporal artery biopsy was positive in 106 and negative in 257. The odds of a positive biopsy were 9.0 times greater with jaw claudication (P