Patient characteristics, disease manifestations and diagnostic findings of consecutive patients suspected of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) — retrospective experience from a fast-track clinic in Israel

The GCAPS is a reliable tool for risk-stratifying patients referred to the GCA-FTC in this study population. The sensitivity and specificity of CDUS was 90.9% and 88%, respectively. A relatively low prevalence of large vessel involvement was documented. Our results suggest that rheumatologists should remain vigilant regarding the differential diagnoses in patients with suspected GCA. Key Points • Our study is the first study in the Middle East to utilize color-Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) in Giant Cell Arteritis Fast Track Clinic (GCA-FTC) setting, and it was found to have very high sensitivity (90.9) and specificity (88.0%). • In our study population, the Southend Pre-Test Probability Score for GCA (GCAPS) was found to be a reliable tool for risk- stratifying patients referred to the GCA-FTC. • Based on our findings, rheumatologists should remain vigilant regarding the differential diagnoses of patients with suspected GCA, including pure PMR, migraine headache, infection, CPPD and TMJ dysfunction.