Research Information System
Diagnostic Pathology: Open Access, vol.2, no.8, pp.1-7, 2023 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Purpose: To determine the rate of histopathological diagnosis by Temporal Artery Biopsy (TAB) and the
predictive clinical features of TAB positivity in patients with Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA).
Methods: The records of patients who underwent TAB with pre diagnosis of GCA between January 2006 and
May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic characteristics, symptoms, clinical and laboratory
findings, TAB data and the medications of the patients were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups as
TAB negative and TAB positive and compared clinically. Factors affecting TAB positivity were determined.
Results: TAB confirmed the diagnosis of GCA in 48% of our cases. The median fixed TAB specimen length was
1.7 (0.5-4.0) mm. TAB positivity increased with age (74 vs. 66 years, p=0.027) and was more common in women
(91.7% vs. 38.5%, p=0.019). Jaw claudication (66.7% vs. 15.4%, p=0.027) and decreased pulse of the TA (58.3%vs.
7.7%, p =0.022) were more in the TAB positive group than in the TAB negative. The median C Reactive Protein (CRP)
level was statistically higher in the TAB positive group compared to the TAB negative (37 mg/L vs. 12.6 mg/L, p=0.039).
The univariate logistic regression analysis revealed female gender (OR (95% CI): 2.9 (1.7-181.3), p=0.016),
presence of jaw claudication (2.4 (1.6-75.5), p=0.015), decreased TA pulse (2.8 (1.6-174.5), p=0.018) and Erythrocyte
Sedimentation Rate (ESR) (0.03 (1.0-1.1), p=0.049) as factors associated with TAB positivity.
Conclusion: The rate of TAB positivity was 48%. Older age, female gender, the presence of jaw claudication and
decreased pulse of TA, high ESR and CRP values are predictive features of TAB positivity and GCA diagnosis.