C-reactive Protein Critical in Temporal Arteritis Diagnosis
June 17, 2011
Ophthalmology: Temporal arteritis can be a devastating disease, and cause blindness in both eyes very quickly. Prompt diagnosis is critical, and at least a year of steroids is needed, so a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. It would be nice if we could know better who is more likely to have the disease, and thus reduce the need for biopsy. A study confirms that more than ESR, an elevated CRP and platelets (thrombocytosis) are almost invariably linked to the disease. This will allow us to use our judgment better when faced with doubtful cases. For sure, it reinforces the need for getting a CRP instead of just an ESR, which is still frustratingly done in many cases referred to me.
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