A Diagnostic Headache

The Medical Journal of Australia 2026

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Authors: Thomas Glynn, Michelle T. Leech, Stacy Goergen, Emily Pei-Ying Lin, Nadeem Toodayan, Ralph K. Junckerstorff
DOI: 10.5694/mja2.70151
Cited by: 0

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.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Vasculitis and related conditions Ocular Diseases and Behçet’s Syndrome Migraine and Headache Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
The Medical Journal of Australia
Volume
224
Issue
3
Pages
e70151–e70151
Publication date
1 March 2026
Language
EN