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A Diagnostic Headache

Thomas Glynn, Michelle T. Leech, Stacy K. Goergen, Emily Lin, Nadeem Toodayan, Ralph Junckerstorff
Correspondence: thomas.glynn@svha.org.au
Med J Aust 2026; 224 (3) || doi: 10.5694/mja2.70151
Published online: 2 March 2026

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most prevalent systemic vasculitis of the elderly and can lead to irreversible vision loss and stroke. We report the case of an 84-year-old woman who presented with a persistent headache, prompting investigation for GCA, initially with a temporal artery ultrasound (TAUS) scan. The results were suggestive of GCA and the diagnosis was confirmed on a subsequent temporal artery biopsy (TAB). TAUS is now part of the classification criteria of GCA, and a diagnosis can be made without biopsy. TAB should be reserved for high-risk patients with a negative TAUS result.

  • Thomas Glynn, Michelle T. Leech, Stacy K. Goergen, Emily Lin, Nadeem Toodayan, Ralph Junckerstorff



Correspondence: thomas.glynn@svha.org.au

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