Background/Purpose: Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) poses challenges in clinical practice, necessitating a deep understanding. Internal medicine residents play a crucial role in patient care and management. This study evaluates their comprehension of GCA diagnosis and management, aiming to identify knowledge gaps and develop tailored educational programs. GCA, a medical emergency with risks of blindness and cerebrovascular complications, relies on diagnostic tools such as imaging and biopsies alongside clinical judgment. Glucocorticoids form the foundation of treatment, while future strategy involve targeted biologics. Enhancing training and addressing knowledge gaps empower residents to effectively identify and manage GCA, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Methods: An 18-item questionnaire was developed following the latest guidelines from the ACR and EULAR. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among residents from three different programs located in New York, Colorado, and Florida. The questionnaire encompassed 11 questions related to the presentation, diagnosis, and management of GCA. The remaining questions were focused on assessing the residents’ comfort level in diagnosing and managing GCA patients, as well as evaluating their educational training in this area.

Results: Out of 107 participants, 48 (approximately 44%) completed the survey, yielding significant insights. The response rates varied across different levels of training, with 27% of PGY1, 33.33% of PGY2, and 37% of PGY3 participants providing their feedback. While 40% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their instruction, around 41% admitted to not attending teaching sessions, and 47% had no experience in caring for GCA patients. Surprisingly, although 56% felt confident in diagnosing GCA, only 31% were comfortable managing such patients. Furthermore, only 37% demonstrated familiarity with FDA-approved GCA medications. While 90% correctly identified prednisone as the initial drug of choice, only 50% knew the recommended dosage. Awareness of alternative diagnostic methods and appropriate ocular symptom management was limited among the participants. However, 89% acknowledged the importance of annual DEXA scans for monitoring bone health. These findings highlight the specific areas that require further education and training in the field of GCA.

Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal significant limitations in the understanding of GCA recognition and treatment among internal medicine residents. Although some residents expressed confidence in diagnosing GCA, there was a notable lack of familiarity with FDA-approved medications and discomfort in managing patients. Challenges were identified in comprehending initial dosages, utilizing alternative diagnostic techniques, and addressing ocular symptoms. These findings emphasize the critical need for targeted educational initiatives aimed at bridging these gaps and improving GCA care and management. By enhancing residents’ understanding, we can strive for better patient outcomes and advance the management of GCA.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/a-survey-on-giant-cell-arteritis-related-knowledge-among-internal-medicine-residents/