Description:
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<jats:title>Background and Purpose—</jats:title>
<jats:p>The diagnosis of giant-cell arteritis (GCA) is challenging. Superficial temporal artery biopsy and ultrasound are positive in only 50%. We evaluated computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the head in GCA.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Methods—</jats:title>
<jats:p>This case-control study was performed using a prospective GCA registry. Cases presented with stroke symptoms, had a CTA, and were subsequently diagnosed with GCA. Age- and sex-matched controls presented with stroke symptoms, had a CTA, and were not diagnosed with GCA. CTAs were evaluated for the presence of superficial temporal artery abnormalities.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Results—</jats:title>
<jats:p>Fourteen cases met the inclusion criteria and were matched with 14 controls. Blurred vessel wall margins and perivascular enhancement was found in 10 cases (71.4%) and 2 controls (14.3%). CTA has an accuracy of 78.6%, sensitivity of 71.4%, and a specificity of 85.7% for GCA.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Conclusions—</jats:title>
<jats:p>CTA detects superficial temporal artery abnormalities in GCA. This may facilitate early diagnosis and prompt implementation of potentially sight-saving and stroke-preventing treatment.</jats:p>
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