Methodology: 2/5
Usefulness: 2/5

van der Geest KSM, et al. JAMA Intern Med. 2020 Oct 1;180(10):1295-1304. 

Question and Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 68 studies to identify clinical and laboratory findings that can help identify patients with GCA
Findings: No single clinical or laboratory feature were strong enough to confirm or refute the diagnosis of GCA alone
Limitations: There were several sources of bias from poor quality studies, lack of high-quality reference standards and substantial heterogeneity of index tests.

Interpretation: No change to practice. Combinations or absence of these signs/symptoms can assist in decision making to pursue further investigation +/- expedited referral.

By: Dr. Graham Wilson

Author

  • Hans Rosenberg

    Dr. Rosenberg is an emergency physician at the Ottawa Hospital, assistant professor at the University of Ottawa, and Director of the Digital Scholarship and Knowledge Dissemination Program.