University of Washington
Giant Cell Arteritis Fast Track Clinic
Using vascular ultrasound to diagnose GCA and prevent blindness
How to Activate the Fast Track Clinic
Physicians must call to activate a Fast Track appointment for their patient.
Page the on-call rheumatologist at UW
The on-call rheumatologist will coordinate rapid scheduling and appropriate workup.
Patients cannot self-refer to the Fast Track Clinic. If you are a patient and believe you may have GCA, please contact your primary care physician or emergency department immediately.
What is the Fast Track Clinic?
Our specialized clinic provides rapid evaluation for patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA). We use non-invasive vascular ultrasound to help diagnose GCA quickly, allowing for prompt treatment to prevent serious complications like vision loss.
Why Speed Matters
GCA can cause permanent blindness if not treated quickly. Our fast track approach ensures patients are evaluated within days of referral, not weeks, reducing the risk of irreversible vision loss.
Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging technique that can detect inflammation in the temporal and other arteries. It provides immediate results and can help avoid the need for temporal artery biopsy in some cases.
Who Should Be Referred?
Patients over 50 with new headache, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, vision changes, or elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) who are suspected of having GCA should be referred urgently.
Referral Information for Physicians
The GCA Fast Track Clinic is part of UW Medicine Rheumatology. For referrals:
- Page the on-call rheumatologist to activate a Fast Track appointment
- Include relevant labs (ESR, CRP, CBC) if available
- Note any visual symptoms or high-risk features
- Patients should NOT delay starting steroids if GCA is strongly suspected
Note: Ultrasound findings are most reliable within 1-2 weeks of starting steroids, so early referral is important even after treatment has begun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Giant Cell Arteritis?
Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory condition affecting medium and large arteries, particularly those around the head and neck. It primarily affects people over 50 and can cause headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing, and vision problems.
How is GCA diagnosed?
Diagnosis traditionally involves temporal artery biopsy, but vascular ultrasound can detect the characteristic "halo sign" of arterial inflammation. Blood tests showing elevated ESR and CRP support the diagnosis, along with clinical symptoms.
What are the warning signs of GCA?
Seek immediate medical attention for: new severe headache (especially in someone over 50), sudden vision changes or loss, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing, unexplained fever, or symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (shoulder/hip stiffness).
Why is the Fast Track Clinic important?
Without prompt treatment, GCA can cause permanent blindness in up to 20% of patients. Fast track clinics have been shown to dramatically reduce rates of vision loss by ensuring rapid diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Learn More
Listen to our RheumCast episode on Giant Cell Arteritis for an in-depth discussion of the ACR Clinical Practice Guidelines.