Question on PMR and Temporal Arteritis

[Musiclady18]

Does anyone know: would an MRI show Temporal Arteritis or would a person need a biopsy to determine if Temporal Arteritis was present? Asking for a person newly diagnosed with PMR and in the ER dept was told she had Temporal Arteritis. Yesterday she went to the rheumatologist and was told she definitely did not have Temporal Arteritis?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Do you know what her symptoms are, why the ED thinks it IS GCA and why the rheumy has discounted it?

IMHO, it is a brave rheumy who totally discounts GCA in anyone who triggers an ED suspicion of GCA - saying it doesn't fit, probably isn't, is different but to say it definitely isn't is a risky statement!!!

Contrast-enhanced MRI can be used to improve diagnosis - to identify the best piece of artery to biopsy for example. I assume it isn't used much because it requires a wait to do and is expensive. Once pred has been inititated it will be of less value.

ahajournals.org/doi/full/10...