Giant cell arteritis / temporal arteritis

Giant cell arteritis / temporal arteritis – Adult

Emergency and immediate referrals

Referral to Emergency Department:

Immediate Referral (seen within 7 days):

Temporal tenderness, jaw claudication, blurring of vision
Burning or craniofacial pain or tenderness or superficial temporal arteries refer for immediate review.

Presenting symptoms
New onset of headaches (usually unilateral) Fatigue Weight loss Tender scalp or temples Sudden vision loss, blurred or double vision Jaw claudication Dizziness Poor coordination and balance Persistent sore throat Dysphagia Fevers and sweats Dry cough

Mandatory referral information (referral will be returned if this information is not included)
History Relevant history: Age of onset of symptoms greater than 50 years, Onset and time since onset of headaches, visual disturbance, jaw claudication, scalp tenderness Details of treatments including steroid exposure Investigations FBC, LFTs, ESR and CRP

Mandatory referral information (referral will be returned if this information is not included)

History

Relevant history:
- Age of onset of symptoms greater than 50 years,
- Onset and time since onset of headaches, visual disturbance, jaw claudication, scalp tenderness
Details of treatments including steroid exposure

Investigations

Highly desirable referral information
Most recent optometrist or ophthalmologist reports/results if available and where providing it will not delay care Temporal artery biopsy histology Bone mineral density Other screening previously performed including HepB, HepC, HIV, QuantiFERON Gold (QFG) PET CT, CXR or US

Indicative triage category

Indicative triage category
Cat 1 Appointment within 30 days	Suspected new onset and/or active giant cell arteritis
Cat 2 Appointment within 90 days	No defined category 2 criteria
Cat 3 Appointment within 365 days	No defined category 3 criteria

Useful Information for referring practitioners

More information