Temporal Artery Ultrasound for Giant Cell Arteritis
Specialist temporal artery ultrasound for suspected Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis.
Tunica Diagnostics provides focused vascular ultrasound assessment at our private diagnostic clinic in Central London.
- Temporal artery ultrasound
- GCA-focused assessment
- Central London
Giant Cell Arteritis Ultrasound
High-resolution ultrasound assessment of the temporal arteries for findings that may support suspected GCA.
What is Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
Giant Cell Arteritis is an inflammatory condition affecting medium and large arteries, most commonly in people over the age of 50.
It can affect arteries in the head, including the temporal arteries, and may cause headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing or visual symptoms.
GCA requires urgent medical assessment because delayed treatment can lead to permanent visual loss.
When might GCA be suspected?
GCA is considered when characteristic symptoms and clinical findings raise concern for arterial inflammation.
Symptoms that need medical assessment
- New or persistent headache
- Scalp tenderness
- Jaw pain or fatigue when chewing
- Blurred vision, double vision or transient visual loss
- Constitutional symptoms such as fatigue or fever
- Shoulder or hip girdle pain and stiffness
These symptoms are not specific to GCA. A clinician must assess the overall clinical picture.
If GCA is suspected, seek urgent same-day medical advice. Do not delay assessment or treatment while waiting for a private ultrasound appointment. New visual loss or sudden visual changes require emergency assessment. Ultrasound is an investigation within the clinical pathway, not a substitute for urgent medical care.
What does a temporal artery ultrasound assess?
High-resolution ultrasound evaluates accessible cranial arteries for changes that may be associated with vascular inflammation.
Arterial Wall Changes
Assessment for characteristic vessel-wall abnormalities, including the halo sign.
Temporal Artery Branches
Evaluation of accessible superficial temporal artery segments and branches.
Blood-Flow Assessment
Doppler assessment of relevant blood-flow patterns and any visible narrowing or occlusion.
What happens during a GCA ultrasound?
Clinical Information
Relevant symptoms, referral details and current treatment are considered before the examination.
Arterial Ultrasound
A high-frequency ultrasound probe is used to examine accessible temporal artery segments.
Findings
Ultrasound findings are documented to support prompt clinical review and management.
Can ultrasound rule out GCA?
No. A negative temporal artery ultrasound does not reliably exclude giant cell arteritis.
Ultrasound findings depend on disease distribution, operator expertise, image quality and the timing of treatment. Corticosteroid therapy can reduce the visibility of inflammatory findings. Clinical suspicion must guide urgent investigation and treatment, regardless of a negative scan.
Temporal artery ultrasound price in London
GCA / Temporal Artery Ultrasound
Focused high-resolution temporal artery assessment for suspected giant cell arteritis.
Temporal artery ultrasound in Central London
Tunica Diagnostics provides specialist vascular ultrasound examinations at our clinic on Charing Cross Road.
Tunica Diagnostics
Until
111 Charing Cross Road
London WC2H 0DT
Telephone: 020 8058 0725
Contact the Clinic →Temporal artery ultrasound FAQs
What is a temporal artery ultrasound?
A temporal artery ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to assess the arterial wall and blood flow in accessible temporal artery segments, looking for changes that may support suspected GCA.
Is temporal artery ultrasound painful?
Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation. The examination may cause mild discomfort if the scalp or temporal arteries are tender.
Can temporal artery ultrasound confirm GCA?
Characteristic ultrasound findings can support the diagnosis of GCA in the appropriate clinical context. Clinical assessment and sometimes further testing are required.
Can a normal ultrasound exclude GCA?
No. A normal scan does not exclude GCA, especially if clinical suspicion remains high or treatment has already started.
Should I wait for an ultrasound before starting treatment?
No. Suspected GCA requires urgent medical assessment. Treatment should not be delayed while waiting for an ultrasound scan. Follow the advice of your treating clinician.
How much does a temporal artery scan cost?
The temporal artery / GCA ultrasound assessment at Tunica Diagnostics is £250.
Where is the clinic?
Tunica Diagnostics is located at Until, 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT.
Do you offer other specialist vascular scans?
Yes. You can explore our full range of specialist vascular ultrasound assessments , including renal artery, thoracic outlet, PAES, MALS and other focused vascular examinations.
Enquire about temporal artery ultrasound
Contact Tunica Diagnostics to discuss a GCA ultrasound examination. If GCA is suspected, seek urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.