Comparison of 18‐ and 22‐MHz probes for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. Issue 6 (10th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Noumegni, Steve Raoul; Hoffmann, Clément; Jousse‐Joulin, Sandrine; Cornec, Divi; Quentel, Hugo; Devauchelle‐Pensec, Valérie; Saraux, Alain; Bressollette, Luc
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical ultrasound. Volume 49:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 546
• Page End: 553
• Publication Date: 2021-02-10
• Subjects: giant cell arteritis -- high frequency probes -- ultrasound; Ultrasonics in medicine -- Periodicals; 616.07543
• DOI: 10.1002/jcu.22986
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-2751

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Little is known about the diagnostic concordance of images provided by ultrasound probes with emitting frequencies below or above 20 MHz for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Methods: We compared, using Cohen's kappa statistic, data obtained with an 18‐MHz and a 22‐MHz probe for the ultrasonographic evaluation of temporal arteries in 80 patients referred for suspected GCA. Results: The halo sign was found in 25% of cases with the 18‐MHz probe and in 35% with the 22‐MHz probe. The compression sign was positive in 42% of cases with the 18‐MHz probe and 48% with the 22‐MHz probe. GCA was finally diagnosed in 20 patients (25%). The kappa coefficient of agreement was 0.76 ( P < .001) for the halo sign, and 0.75 ( P < .001) for the compression sign. Conclusions: Images obtained by 18 MHz and 22‐MHz frequency probes showed a good level of agreement for the diagnosis of GCA, but the 22‐MHz probe yielded a correct diagnosis of GCA in 3 of the 7 patients in whom examination with the 18‐MHz probe was negative.