Can an eye exam detect temporal arteritis?
Giant cell arteritis is diagnosed first with a complete eye exam. This includes dilation of the pupils and possible a visual field test in the ophthalmologist’s office. Blood tests are used to aid in the diagnosis of GCA. A biopsy of the temporal artery may be needed to confirm the blood tests.
Can an ophthalmologist detect temporal arteritis?
To definitively diagnosis temporal arteritis, biopsy of the temporal artery is often necessary. Your eye care specialist may refer you to a neuro-ophthalmologist or vascular surgeon to conduct a biopsy of your temporal artery.
How do they test for temporal arteritis?
The best way to confirm a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis is by taking a small sample (biopsy) of the temporal artery. This artery is situated close to the skin just in front of your ears and continues up to your scalp.
How does temporal arteritis affect vision?
Visual loss occurs in about 25% of patients with temporal arteritis. The episodes of blurred or darkened vision can be brief and temporary, and usually affect one eye. In some cases visual loss can be quite sudden and severe.
Can an eye test detect giant cell arteritis?
Eye examination – if the eye is affected, the optic disc looks pale and puffy. This condition is known as anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and is the worst complication of giant cell arteritis. Blood test – some blood tests flag the possible presence of giant cell arteritis or polymyalgia rheumatica.
What can mimic temporal arteritis?
Unfortunately, the symptoms and clinical signs of temporal arteritis mimic those of a number of other conditions including angle-closure glaucoma, hypertension, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, temporomandibular joint syndrome, carotid artery occlusive disease, Foster-Kennedy syndrome, and nonarteritic AION.
Does giant cell arteritis affect both eyes?
Giant cell arteritis is inflammation of the arteries that can cause sudden blindness in one or both eyes. New onset headache and vision loss are the most common symptoms.
Can temporal arteritis be painless?
Inflammation of the arteries supplying the eyes can lead to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, which can cause blindness, the most feared complication of temporal arteritis. Classically, the loss of vision is described as being painless.
How serious is temporal arteritis?
Temporal arteritis is more common in people older than age 50, and it affects women more often than men. Temporal arteritis is treatable, but left untreated it can lead to serious complications including blindness and stroke. Seek prompt medical care if you have symptoms of temporal arteritis, such as headache, jaw pain, or changes in vision.
What is the prognosis for a patient with temporal arteritis?
The outlook for those with temporal arteritis is very good , unless the person has had a loss of vision. If that occurs, the damage generally cannot be reversed. Most complications associated with temporal arteritis are from the use of steroid drugs, not from the disease itself.
Can temporal arteritis be detected by a MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis) include loss of the normal flow void in affected vessels from occlusion or slow flow associated with disease.
Why would you have a temporal artery biopsy?
Temporal artery biopsy is the primary modality for establishing a diagnosis of giant cell (temporal) arteritis. Giant cell arteritis is a chronic vasculitis affecting medium and large diameter arteries, predominantly in older individuals [ 1,2 ].