Actively Recruiting
The VGR GCA Cohort: Ultrasound, Biopsy and Biomarkers - Novel Methods for Diagnosis, Monitoring and Prognosis in Giant Cell Arteritis.
Led by Vastra Gotaland Region · Updated on 2026-04-15
340
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
195 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis in the elderly and is usually treated with long-term corticosteroid therapy. Many patients experience relapses and treatment-related side effects. Current diagnostic and monitoring methods provide limited prognostic information and cannot reliably distinguish active from inactive disease during relapse. This project addresses the clinical need for improved tools to identify patients at high risk of relapse and to develop more effective methods for disease monitoring. The aim is to develop new tools that enable more personalized treatment of GCA. By combining vascular ultrasound with novel blood biomarkers, we seek to predict disease course and relapse risk. The specific objectives are: * To identify ultrasound and blood biomarkers that can predict long-term disease control. * To determine which ultrasound parameters and blood biomarkers can distinguish active from inactive disease during treatment. * To evaluate whether extended vascular ultrasound protocols can improve diagnostic accuracy. The ultimate goal is to establish safe, practical tools for improved diagnosis and follow-up in patients with GCA.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
The VGR GCA Cohort: Ultrasound, Biopsy and Biomarkers - Novel Methods for Diagnosis, Monitoring and Prognosis in Giant Cell Arteritis.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Individuals referred for evaluation due to suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA)
- Ability to provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Previous diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA)
- Previous temporal artery biopsy performed as part of prior GCA evaluation
- Treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (>7.5 mg/day) for more than two weeks before initiation of the diagnostic work-up
- Inability to provide informed consent
- Inability to comply with the study protocol
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset
Gothenburg, Sweden, 41345
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Johan Skoog, MD, PhD
CONTACT
E
Eva Klingberg, MD, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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