A woman with temporal pain. Issue 5 (15th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fine, Lauren; Kurpiel, Scott; Carter, Ashley
• Is Part Of: Proceedings. Volume 35:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 712
• Page End: 713
• Publication Date: 2022-09-15
• Subjects: Giant cell arteritis -- halo sign -- headache -- point-of-care ultrasound -- temporal arteritis -- vascular ultrasound; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Medicine -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2022.2084685
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0899-8280

Abstract

Abstract: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a difficult diagnosis to make in the emergency department, requiring a temporal artery biopsy to confirm the disease. Here, we present a case of GCA diagnosed on bedside ultrasound in a patient with left-sided temporal pain, left-sided blurry vision, and a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Of note, this patient was on anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, which delayed a biopsy from being performed, making the ultrasound findings even more significant. This case study suggests that bedside ultrasound can be utilized in the diagnosis of GCA, offering a quick, easy, and safe imaging modality that is available in many emergency departments.