Which initial blood tests support GCA suspicion?

In this RCP Medicine podcast and BSR Talking Rheumatology podcast collaboration Dr Pip Watson and Dr Rik Patel discuss an interesting case of a patient presenting with headache to the acute take. Topics include tips on history and examination, an update on treatment including the use of tocilizumab and the role of fast-track pathways.  Pip is a Rheumatology Consultant in Manchester,  BSR Digital Learning Editor, and Talking Rheumatology host, Rick is a Rheumatology and Acute Medicine consultant in Manchester, working at one of the specialist centres for vasculitis.

If you liked this check out related Talking Rheumatology spotlight episodes 

• Episode 6 giant cell arteritis
• Episode 14 polymyalgia rheumatica
• Bonus case non GCA headache 

 Resources

NICE GCA guideline https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/giant-cell-arteritis/

BSR GCA guideline https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article-abstract/59/3/e1/5714024?redirectedFrom=fulltext

GCAPS paper https://ard.bmj.com/content/83/Suppl_1/1100.2

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Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com

Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas