Temporal arteritis is associated with elevation of which laboratory value?

Temporal arteritis is associated with elevation of which laboratory value?

• A. ESR
• B. WBC
• C. Platelets
• D. CRP

Answer: (A)

Temporal arteritis triggers a systemic inflammatory response that raises acute-phase proteins, especially the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. ESR is typically markedly elevated in giant cell arteritis and is used to screen for the condition and monitor response to therapy. While CRP can also be elevated and platelets may rise in inflammation, ESR is the classic laboratory abnormality associated with temporal arteritis, and WBC is usually normal or only mildly elevated.

Temporal arteritis triggers a systemic inflammatory response that raises acute-phase proteins, especially the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. ESR is typically markedly elevated in giant cell arteritis and is used to screen for the condition and monitor response to therapy. While CRP can also be elevated and platelets may rise in inflammation, ESR is the classic laboratory abnormality associated with temporal arteritis, and WBC is usually normal or only mildly elevated.