4th November 2021

A 57-year-old woman presents to A+E with a severe unilateral headache affecting her right temple and scalp tenderness noticed when brushing her hair

A 57-year-old woman presents to A+E with a severe unilateral headache affecting her right temple and scalp tenderness noticed when brushing her hair. This is the first time such symptoms have manifested. PMH is insignificant, although the patient has complained of shoulder and pelvic girdle weakness. The doctor suspects a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. What is the gold standard investigation in the assessment of this condition?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.