Background: To compare the utility of ESR, CRP and platelets for the diagnosis of GCA.
Method: A clinical diagnosis of GCA was determined by case-note review of 270 individuals (68% female, mean age 72 years) referred to a central pathology service for a temporal artery biopsy between 2011 and 2014. The highest levels of ESR, CRP and platelets (within 2 weeks of diagnosis) were documented. Evaluation of ESR, CRP and platelets for the diagnosis of GCA were compared using Receiver Operating Characteristic Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC), and sensitivity/specificity at optimum cut-off values.
Results: GCA was clinically diagnosed in 139 (67%) patients, with 81 TAB positive. The AUC estimates for ESR, CRP and platelets were comparable (0.65 vs 0.72 vs 0.72, p = 0.08). The estimated optimal cut-off levels were confirmed at 50 mm/hour for ESR, and determined as 20 mg/L for CRP and 300 × 109/L for platelets. Sensitivity estimates for these three tests were comparable (p = 0.45) and ranged between 66% for ESR and 71% for platelets. Specificity estimates were also comparable (p = 0.11) and ranged between 57% for ESR and 68% for CRP. There was only moderate agreement between the three positive tests (agreement 67%, kappa: 0.34), and when considered collectively, CRP and platelet positive tests were independent predictors of GCA (p < 0.001), but the ESR was not (p = 0.76).
Conclusion: ESR, CRP and platelets are moderate, equivalent diagnostic tests for GCA, but may yield disparate results in individual patients. A combination of CRP and platelet tests may provide the best diagnostic utility for GCA.
Keywords: Diagnosis; Giant cell arteritis; Inflammatory markers; Vasculitis.