Spotting the Signs: Recognizing and Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis

In this debut episode of the GCA Fireside Chat series on RhAPPcast, host Amanda Mixon, PA-C, president of Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP), sits down with expert guests Naomi Amudala, NP, and Rennie Rhee, MD, to explore one of the most critical aspects of giant cell arteritis (GCA) care—recognition. Together, they unpack how to differentiate routine headaches from those signaling GCA, discuss the nuanced role of labs, biopsies, and imaging in diagnosis, and share practical clinical pearls for refining suspicion without missing or delaying treatment. The conversation delves into hallmark signs and symptoms such as jaw claudication, scalp tenderness, and new-onset headaches, while addressing common mimics like migraines and shingles. Listeners will gain insight into fast-track GCA clinics, the limitations and value of temporal artery biopsies, the evolving role of imaging modalities like MRI, ultrasound, and PET scans, and the interplay between GCA and polymyalgia rheumatica. Whether you’re a rheumatology clinician or primary care provider, this episode offers evidence-based strategies, real-world experience, and expert guidance to help improve early recognition and patient outcomes in GCA.