VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR AS AN AID TO DIAGNOSIS OF GIANT CELL ARTERITIS

Abstract

Background Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a common vasculitis with significant risk of blindness. Although temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is currently performed for diagnosis, the sensitivity can be as low as 39%; ultrasound is emerging as a more effective and cheaper test. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is present in inflamed arterial wall in GCA and elevated circulating levels have been reported in GCA compared to controls. Measurement of VEGF is less invasive than TAB, and cheaper than TAB or ultrasound. Objectives 1) Analyse performance of VEGF as a diagnostic marker for GCA 2) Combine VEGF with ESR and CRP to assess performance 3) Assess local expression of VEGF in TAB Methods W..