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Advanced Practice

Rheumatology

Introducing an ANP-led temporal artery biopsy service for patients with suspected giant cell arteritis

13 May 2021

Focus

02 May 2021

Volume 30 · Issue 9

ISSN (print): 0966-0461

ISSN (online): 2052-2819

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an uncommon autoimmune inflammatory vasculopathy that can lead to the destruction and occlusion of various arteries that consequently can cause serious complications such as stroke or sight loss. It is seen as a medical emergency. The most commonly affected vessel in GCA is the temporal artery in the side of the head, hence the condition is sometimes also referred to as ‘temporal arteritis’. This article discusses the introduction of an advanced nurse practitioner-led temporal artery biopsy service.

This article provides a summary of the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in order to provide context for a review of the introduction of an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP)-led temporal artery biopsy service (TAB).

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2020), GCA is defined as an autoimmune chronic vasculitis which is associated with inflammation within the muscular walls of the arteries. The condition is sometimes also referred to as ‘temporal arteritis’ due to the temporal artery in the side of the head often being affected (Vasculitis UK, 2019) (Figure 1).

Figure 1. A lateral view of the blood supply of the head and neck, showing the position of the temporal artery

The cause of GCA is unknown, although genetic and environmental factors have been linked to a predisposition to the disease (Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), 2017). GCA is predominately associated with affecting the medium to large arteries in the head, especially extracranial branches of the carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery (NICE, 2020). Other arteries elsewhere in the body can also be involved, including, for example, the aorta, but this is uncommon within those diagnosed with GCA (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2016).

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Giant cell arteritis

Advanced nurse practitioner

Temporal arteritis

Neuro-ophthalmology

Rheumatologyx