Biopsy for GCA

[marpil]

I saw the consultant this week to receive the results of a biopsy operation which was carried out two weeks ago. The result was negative but I was assured this did not prove anything. The biopsy is only the 'gold standard' test, very annoying to think I went through this for nothing.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I do often suggest people ask the rheumy if it will change anything about their treatment - i.e. are they confident enough it is GCA to continue with pred as a clinical decision, on the basis of the symptoms.

On the other hand - at least you have a doctor who knows the value (or otherwise) of a TAB. If it is positive it is 100% certain it is GCA. Which is something that can be very useful at some point in the future when you end up with a plonker who decides that your previous doctor was wrong...

[granny-b]

You don't say if you were taking steroids before the biopsy and how long after going on steroids they did it. I know some consultants don't do the biopsy if you have been taking steroids for a while because the steroids affect the result.

Are they still treating it as GCA based on your symptoms? Are they looking for something else?

Good luck and keep in touch.

[granny-b in reply to granny-b]

Have just seen your previous post. I am surprised that you had a biopsy after a positive scan. Your symptoms sound pretty familiar.

Take care and let them look after you. X