Color doppler ultrasound and the giant cell arteritis probability score for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a Canadian single center experience
Abstract Objectives To compare accuracy of colour doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and temporal artery biopsy (TAB) to establish the final diagnosis of GCA and to determine how the giant cell arteritis probability score (GCAPS) performs as a risk stratification tool. Methods Descriptive statistics were performed on a retrospective cohort of patients referred to our vasculitis referral center between July 1st, 2017 and October 1st, 2020 for suspected GCA. CDUS, TAB, center-specific TAB (vasculitis center vs.s referring hospitals) and GCAPS were compared against the final diagnosis of GCA as determined by a GCA expert; CDUS was also compared with TAB results. Results Data from 198 patients were included: 60 patients with GCA and 138 patients without GCA. Sixty-two patients had a TAB. Using the final diagnosis by a GCA expert as a reference, sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 93.3%, 98.5%, 96.6%, 97.1% for CDUS; and 69.2%, 100%, 100%, 81.8% for TAB. The false negative rate was 6.7% for CDUS and 30.8% for TAB. False negative TAB mostly occurred when performed in referring hospitals (57.1%) as opposed to our vasculitis center (21.1%). With a cut-off at 9.5 points, Se for GCAPS was 98.3% while Sp was 74.3%. Conclusion CDUS of the temporal and axillary arteries showed a high sensitivity and specificity and helped to diagnose GCA in patients with negative TAB. We validated that GCAPS is a useful clinical tool with a score < 9.5 making the diagnosis of GCA improbable.