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Copyright of Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To produce an internationally valid tool to assess skill in performing strabismus surgery. Methods: A panel of 7 content experts adapted a previously published tool for assessing phacoemulsification by using a modified Dreyfus scale of skill acquisition and providing behavioral descriptors for each level of skill in each category. The tools were then reviewed by 12 international content experts for their constructive comments. The main outcome measure was a consensus of the experts on the final rubric. Results: Experts'' comments were incorporated, establishing face and content validity. Conclusions: The tool (Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubric for Strabismus Surgery (ICO-OSCAR: strabismus) has face and content validity. It can be used globally to assess strabismus surgical skill. Reliability and predictive validity are yet to be determined.▪ [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To assess the resources, progress, and barriers for program director (PD) compliance with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandate. Design: Survey. Participants: Ophthalmology PDs in the United States. Methods: A survey instrument was sent to all ophthalmology PDs in the United States. Main Outcome Measures: The survey instrument assessed PD tenure, funding, current efforts, evaluation modalities, barriers, and desired resources to meet the ACGME competency mandate. Results: The survey was completed by 88 of 104 (85%) PDs. Significant disparities exist between PD financial compensation and actual time spent performing PD duties. This disparity and lack of understanding by faculty of the ACGME competencies were the most frequently cited barriers to success in complying with the ACGME mandate. The most commonly utilized assessment tools are the global or 360° evaluations and clinical evaluation exercises. Conclusions: Program directors surveyed believe they are not receiving adequate resources to allow them to comply with the ACGME mandate. Although some tools have been implemented by PDs for assessing the competencies, additional national and centralized resources would be helpful. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current resident selection process for ophthalmology has undergone little change over the last several years and remains highly dependent on the traditional selection factors (i.e., grades, honors, letters of recommendation, and an interview). Unfortunately, these selection factors have not been shown to be consistently predictive of future resident performance. In addition, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has mandated implementation of six new competencies in resident training in the USA and the current selection process does not directly recruit for these competencies. We propose an implementation strategy to re-engineer and improve the resident selection process in ophthalmology and potentially develop assessments that would be predictive of actual downstream resident performance that would encompass the ACGME related competencies. An intra-departmental Task Force for the ACGME Competencies reviewed a PubMed literature search regarding resident selection. A content expert (AGL) gleaned selected “good practices” from the literature review and summarized the results. Specific recommendations were reviewed for topicality to ophthalmology and where possible for feasibility, reliability, and validity. We summarize several good practices identified from the literature review and propose an implementation matrix for aligning the resident application process with the ACGME competencies that might include: using a standardized and consolidated academic score for the cognitive domains; converting the letter of recommendation format into a letter of evaluation; standardizing the letters of evaluation, including the “Dean''s letter”; using behavior specific interview techniques with standardized questions; and developing a specialty based consensus for the selection of traits specific to ophthalmology that might predict success. The resident selection process for ophthalmology might be improved by implementation of specific good practices from the literature. Ophthalmology should strive to develop applicant selection tools that might be useful for predicting residency performance and that would align with the ACGME competency mandate for tools to predict future performance as a physician. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The authors hypothesized that a metformin (MET)-diet would improve symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in women who also had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hyperinsulinemia without PCOS. Changes in weight, papilledema, headache, visual fields, and overall life status were prospectively assessed in response to 6 to 14 months on 2.25 g/day MET-diet or diet alone in 36 women with IIH, 23 with PCOS, selected by baseline body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25, and no previous surgery for IIH. Overall life status was graded using a self-reported 1–5 scale (1 = well, normal activities; 2 = unwell, usual activities; 3 = poor, usual activities; 4 = poor, no usual activities; 5 = totally disabled). Conventional treatment for IIH was maintained unchanged during MET-diet intervention. The diet was hypocaloric (1500 calories/day), high protein (26% of calories), and low carbohydrate (44%). Of the 23 women with PCOS, 20 received MET-diet and 3 diet only (could not tolerate MET). Of the 13 women without PCOS, 7 were hyperinsulinemic and received MET-diet and 6 received diet alone. The 3 treatment groups (diet only [n = 9], PCOS-MET-diet [n = 20], and hyperinsulinemia-MET-diet [n = 7]) did not differ by median entry BMI (33.3, 37.6, and 35.7 kg/m2) or by duration of treatment (10.2, 11.4, and 10.9 months). Median percent weight loss was greatest in the PCOS-MET group (7.7%, P = 0.0015), was 3.3% in the diet only group, and 2.4% (P = 0.04) in the hyperinsulinemia-MET group. Papilledema significantly improved in the diet-alone group from 100% at baseline to 13% (P = 0.03), and in the PCOS-MET group from 95% to 30% (P = 0.002). If headache persisted on therapy, it was less intense–less frequent (P = 0.03) in the diet-only group and in the PCOS-MET group (P = 0.04). As many women with IIH have PCOS, and because weight loss is central to IIH treatment, diet-MET is a novel approach to treat IIH in women with concurrent PCOS or hyperinsulinemia without PCOS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Reliable and valid tools must be developed to assess the core residency competencies identified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The Ophthalmic Clinical Evaluation Exercise (OCEX) is a tool designed to assess the ophthalmology resident’s competence in patient care. The OCEX has been shown to have face and content validity. This study will determine the degree to which the OCEX is reliable and has construct validity. Participants: Ninety-four academic ophthalmology teaching faculty from ophthalmology residency programs across the country. Methods: Participants reviewed a video compact disc of the same resident and new patient encounter and then completed the OCEX. A scoring rubric was provided. Results: Results indicate that the OCEX is a reliable tool for faculty to use to assess residency competency. The coefficient alpha statistic (a measure of reliability/internal consistency) for the OCEX as a whole was 0.81. The alpha statistics for 3 of 4 subscales that comprise the OCEX (i.e., interviewing skills = 0.65, interpersonal skills/professionalism = 0.73, case presentation = 0.70) were lower than the OCEX as a whole, but were acceptable for new scales. However, the alpha for the examination subscale (i.e., 0.27) was extremely low. Interrater reliability assessment shows that of 33 individual OCEX items, 31 (94%) had at least 85% of the raters rating the student in 1 of 2 consecutive rating categories. Conclusions: The OCEX shows both reliability and validity and, therefore, meets the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education criteria for an acceptable assessment tool. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To design and implement a valid tool for assessment of ophthalmology resident on-call performance. Design: Retrospective chart audit. Setting: Tertiary care academic ophthalmology programs. Participants: Ophthalmology faculty and residents at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Iowa. Methods: A 1-page on-call assessment tool (OCAT) and scoring rubric were developed to evaluate ophthalmology resident on-call performance. A retrospective chart audit of consecutive resident on-call charts was performed at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Iowa, and resident performance was scored using the OCAT. Results: A consensus of faculty comments established the face and content validity of the OCAT. One hundred ninety-one on-call consultations were assessed. Timeliness of consultation was the most common category receiving a borderline or unsatisfactory rating. Borderline ratings in knowledge-based categories (history, examination, assessment and plan, urgency rating) occurred more often for postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) residents than for PGY3 residents (P = 0.05, chi-square test). Incomplete differential diagnosis (n = 6) and lack of follow-up instruction (n = 5) were the most common deficiencies observed. Conclusions: The OCAT has face, content, and discriminative validity. It can be used to assess resident competence in patient care, professionalism, and medical knowledge. Interrater and intrarater reliability still need to be determined. The OCAT may prove to be an additional assessment tool for meeting the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competencies mandate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: New concise tools must be developed to assess reliably and validly the core residency competencies identified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.Participants: Eighteen content experts (residency program directors).Methods: A 1-page Ophthalmic Clinical Exercise Examination (OCEX) checklist, for use during observed resident–patient interactions, was developed by an American Board of Ophthalmology taskforce. The OCEX checklist was sent to 18 content experts for their review and constructive comments.Results: Experts'' comments were incorporated, establishing face and content validity.Conclusions: The OCEX has face and content validity. It can be used to assess a resident''s patient care skills, medical knowledge, and interpersonal skills. Reliability and predictive validity still need to be determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: PurposeTo investigate sleep apnea as an associated finding in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in men.: DesignMulticenter, retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series.: MethodsRetrospective review of all men with the diagnosis of IIH seen within the last 5 years at three tertiary care academic ophthalmologic institutions. Cases with sleep apnea (SA) and IIH were identified and reviewed.: ResultsThirty-two cases of IIH in men were reviewed. Six cases with SA met the modified Dandy criteria for the diagnosis of IIH. Of these six patients, one received acetazolamide alone, four received acetazolamide and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and one was treated with CPAP alone. All patients had preserved central acuity (20/20 or better in both eyes), enlarged blind spots, and optic disc edema in both eyes. Five patients had normal visual fields after treatment, and one patient had residual visual field loss. Three patients had normal optic nerve examinations, with resolution of the optic disc edema at last follow-up. After resolution of the optic disc edema, these three patients were maintained on CPAP but discontinued acetazolamide. Two patients had persistent but improved papilledema and are under continued treatment with acetazolamide and CPAP. One patient had optic disc pallor in both eyes and is stable.: ConclusionsSA was a common finding in men meeting the modified Dandy criteria for IIH in adults. Treatment of sleep apnea with nocturnal oxygenation may improve the signs and symptoms of IIH in affected men. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: PurposeTo determine if the monocular vertical prism dissociation test can differentiate between organic and nonorganic visual loss.: DesignA prospective, single-masked observational study.: MethodsThree institutional neuro-ophthalmology practices. Group 1 consisted of 30 normal controls. Group 2 included 30 patients with known organic visual loss. Group 3 contained 35 patients with suspected nonorganic monocular visual loss. Participants were asked to describe what they saw while viewing a single Snellen letter when a 4-prism diopter base-down prism was placed in front of their better eye. Outcome was measured by whether the participant sees one or two letters with the prism in place.: ResultsVision-appropriate results were given by all members of Group 1 (two images) and by all members of Group 2 (one image). Two images were seen by 31 of 35 members of Group 3, indicating nonorganic visual loss. The other 4 subjects in Group 3 saw one image; each was subsequently found to have occult pathology.: ConclusionThe vertical prism test quickly differentiates organic from nonorganic monocular visual acuity loss. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectivesTo determine the prognosis of internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) caused by infarction.: DesignMulticenter, retrospective observational case series.: ParticipantsThirty three patients with ischemic-related INO.: MethodsChart review of clinical details.: Main outcome measureResolution of diplopia in primary position.: ResultsOf the group, 78.8% demonstrated resolution of diplopia in primary position with an average time to resolution of 2.25 months. The presence of associated neurologic symptoms (vertigo, ataxia, dysarthria, facial palsy, pyramidal tract signs) correlated with a worse prognosis for resolution of diplopia. When performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the causative infarct in only 52% of cases; the presence of an MRI-demonstrable lesion was not significantly associated with prognosis for resolution.: ConclusionsSimilar to ischemic ocular motor palsies, most ischemic-based INO become asymptomatic in primary position over 2 to 3 months. The presence of associated features correlated with persistent diplopia. MRI has limited yield in demonstrating the causative infarct. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pediatric cataract surgical skill assessment is important to ensure the competency of the trainees, especially pediatric ophthalmology fellows. Using a rubric would ensure objectivity in this process. The ICO-OSCAR pediatric cataract surgery rubric has been developed with global variations in techniques of pediatric cataract surgery in mind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires US residency programs to assess ophthalmology residents for competency in 6 core areas. Ophthalmic surgical skills are currently part of the ACGME “Patient Care” competency, although some have advocated for a seventh competency, “Surgical Skills.” The Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubric for Strabismus Surgery in Resident Training (OSCAR:Strabismus) tool was designed to aid in the assessment of surgical skills using procedure specific behavioral anchors. The present study evaluated inter-rater agreement of the OSCAR:Strabismus tool in the assessment of resident performance. OSCAR:Strabismus evaluations of resident surgical strabismus cases were performed by a multinational group of faculty strabismus surgeons. Cronbach α statistical analysis of the completed evaluations revealed high inter-rater agreement, indicating the OSCAR:Strabismus is a reliable tool to facilitate assessment of resident strabismus surgical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the emerging strategic global perspective of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) efforts in ophthalmic education. Design: A global perspective describing how the development of sophisticated educational tools in tandem with information technology can revolutionize ophthalmic education worldwide. Methods: Review of ICO educational tools, resources, and programs that are available to ophthalmic educators across the globe. Results: With the explosive growth of the Internet, the ability to access medical information in the most isolated of locations is now possible. Through specific ICO initiatives, including the ICO curricula, the “Teaching the Teachers” program, and the launching of the new ICO Center for Ophthalmic Educators, the ICO is providing ophthalmic educators across the globe with access to standardized but customizable educational programs and tools to better train ophthalmologists and allied eye care professionals throughout the world. Conclusion: Access to educational tools and strengthening of global learning will help providers meet the goals of VISION 2020 and beyond in eliminating avoidable blindness. It is the intent of the ICO that its programs for ophthalmic educators, including conferences, courses, curricula, and online resources, result in better-trained ophthalmologists and eye care professionals worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive cognitive computer simulation for teaching the hydrodissection portion of cataract surgery compared with standard teaching and to assess the attitudes of residents about the teaching tools and their perceived confidence in the knowledge gained after using the tools. Design: Case-control study. Participants and Controls: Residents at academic institutions. Methods: Prospective, multicenter, single-masked, controlled trial was performed in 7 academic departments of ophthalmology (Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Iowa, Emory University, University of Cincinnati, University of Pennsylvania/Scheie Eye Institute, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University/Wills Eye Institute, and the Aravind Eye Institute). All residents from these centers were asked to participate and were randomized into 2 groups. Group A (n = 30) served as the control and received traditional teaching materials; group B (n = 38) received a digital video disc of the Virtual Mentor program. This program is an interactive cognitive simulation, specifically designed to separate cognitive aspects (such as decision making and error recognition) from the motor aspects. Both groups took online anonymous pretests (n = 68) and posttests (n = 58), and answered satisfaction questionnaires (n = 53). Wilcoxon tests were completed to compare pretest and posttest scores between groups. Analysis of variance was performed to assess differences in mean scores between groups. Main Outcome Measures: Scores on pretests, posttests, and satisfaction questionnaires. Results: There was no difference in the pretest scores between the 2 groups (P = 0.62). However, group B (Virtual Mentor [VM]) scored significantly higher on the posttest (P = 0.01). Mean difference between pretest and posttest scores were significantly better in the VM group than in the traditional learning group (P = 0.04). Questionnaire revealed that the VM program was “more fun” to use (24.1% vs 4.2%) and residents were more likely to use this type of program again compared with the likelihood of using the traditional tools (58.6% vs 4.2%). Conclusions: The VM, a cognitive computer simulation, augmented teaching of the hydrodissection step of phacoemulsification surgery compared with traditional teaching alone. The program was more enjoyable and more likely to be used repetitively by ophthalmology residents. Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosures may be found after the references. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To describe the use of the journal club as a tool to teach and assess competency in practice-based learning (PBL) and improvement among residents in ophthalmology. Design: Interventional case series. Participants: Ophthalmology residents. Setting: Three academic ophthalmology residency programs in the United States. Methods: A survey was performed of self-assessed skills in PBL among residents in ophthalmology training before and after the implementation of a structured review checklist during a traditional resident journal club. The survey had 5 domains, including (A) appraise and assimilate evidence, (B) read a journal article critically, (C) use a systematic and standardized checklist, (D) apply knowledge of study designs and statistical methods, and (E) maintain a self-documented written record of compliance. The respondents scored their ability (range, 1–5). Results: The use of a structured journal club tool was associated with a statistically significant improvement in self-assessed ability in all 5 domains. Conclusions: Although validity, reliability, and long-term efficacy studies are necessary, the structured journal club is one method of teaching and assessing resident competency in PBL and improvement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The traditional journal club has historically been used to teach residents about critically reading and reviewing the literature in order to improve patient care. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competencies mandate requires that ophthalmology residency programs both teach and assess practice-based learning and improvement. A systematically conducted review of the literature regarding the use of the journal club in resident medical education was performed to define specific recommendations for implementation of a journal club tool. Selected best practices for a successful journal club were gleaned from the existing medical literature. These include the following: 1) the use of a structured review checklist, 2) explicit written learning objectives, and 3) a formalized meeting structure and process. The journal club might prove to be an excellent tool for the assessment of competencies like practice-based learning which may be difficult to assess by other means. Future study is necessary to determine if journal club can improve educational outcomes and promote lifelong competence in practice-based learning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To report the diagnostic yield for the evaluation of isolated and unexplained optic atrophy. Setting: Two tertiary care academic neuroophthalmology clinics. Design: Retrospective case series. Participants: Patients with optic atrophy. Methods: Retrospective review of all charts with the diagnosis of optic atrophy. Included patients were adults with isolated, but unexplained, optic atrophy. Patients were excluded if they were children, had incomplete or inadequate documentation of the findings, had nonneurologically isolated optic atrophy (e.g., other localizing findings), or had a history (e.g., prior neuroimaging study showed a compressive lesion, prior ischemic optic neuropathy) or examination (e.g., central retinal artery occlusion) evidence for an etiology for the optic atrophy. Main outcome measure: Results of diagnostic evaluation. Results: A total of 1110 charts with the diagnosis of optic atrophy were reviewed from the 2 participating institutions (368 from the University of Cincinnati and 742 from the University of Iowa). Of these 1110 charts, 91 (8%) with isolated unexplained optic atrophy were included, and 1019 charts (92%) were excluded. Of 91 included patients, 18 (20%) had a compressive lesion causing optic atrophy, and 73 (80%) cases had no etiology for the optic atrophy on neuroimaging. Of the 18 patients with abnormal imaging (e.g., meningioma, pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma) studies, 11 had bilateral and 7 had unilateral optic atrophy. Five of the 18 patients had progressive visual loss, 3 had hemianopic visual field loss, and 11 were younger than 50 years old. Conclusions: Patients with optic atrophy in our study typically had historical or examination findings that led to an etiologic diagnosis. Neuroimaging showed an etiology in 20% of patients. Other laboratory testing did not produce an etiologic diagnosis in the absence of a suggestive history or examination. On the basis of our results, we recommend neuroimaging for all patients with unexplained optic atrophy and consideration for directed laboratory studies only. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To describe the clinical manifestations and to identify risk factors associated with visual outcome in a large cohort of patients with cat scratch optic neuropathy (CSON). Design: Multicenter, retrospective chart review. Participants: Fifty-three patients (62 eyes) with serologically positive CSON from 5 academic neuro-ophthalmology services evaluated over an 11-year period. Methods: Institutional review board/ethics committee approval was obtained. Data from medical record charts were collected to detail the clinical manifestations and to analyze visual outcome metrics. Generalized estimating equations and logistic regression analysis were used in the statistical analysis. Six patients (9 eyes) were excluded from visual outcome statistical analysis because of a lack of follow-up. Main Outcome Measures: Demographic information, symptoms at presentation, clinical characteristics, length of follow-up, treatment used, and visual acuity (at presentation and final follow-up). Results: Mean patient age was 27.8 years (range, 8–65 years). Mean follow-up time was 170.8 days (range, 1–1482 days). Simultaneous bilateral involvement occurred in 9 (17%) of 53 patients. Visual acuity on presentation ranged from 20/20 to counting fingers (mean, 20/160). Sixty-eight percent of eyes retained a visual acuity of 20/40 or better at final follow-up (defined as favorable visual outcome). Sixty-seven percent of patients endorsed a history of cat or kitten scratch. Neuroretinitis (macular star) developed in 28 eyes (45%). Only 5 patients had significant visual complications (branch retinal artery occlusion, macular hole, and corneal decompensation). Neither patient age nor any other factor except good initial visual acuity and absence of systemic symptoms was associated with a favorable visual outcome. There was no association between visual acuity at final follow-up and systemic antibiotic or steroid use. Conclusions: Patients with CSON have a good overall visual prognosis. Good visual acuity at presentation was associated with a favorable visual outcome. The absence of a macular star does not exclude the possibility of CSON. Financial Disclosure(s): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Combined central retinal vein and central retinal artery occlusion is a rare complication of compressive or infiltrative optic nerve disease. In this case combined retinal arterial and venous occlusive disease was the presenting sign of metastatic adenocarcinoma to the optic nerve sheath. An optic nerve sheath biopsy led to the diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware that retinal vascular disease can be due to optic nerve disorders including metastatic carcinoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate young ophthalmologists’ perceptions of how well residency training prepared them for various aspects of their clinical practice. Design: Self-administered survey. Participants: Two hundred sixty-nine United States ophthalmologists who have been in practice for ≤5 years. Methods: A 4-page questionnaire was mailed to a randomly selected sample of 900 U.S. members and fellows of the American Academy of Ophthalmology who had been in practice for ≤5 years. Main Outcome Measures: Comparison of perceived preparedness in clinical and nonclinical areas of ophthalmology practice. Results: Two hundred sixty-nine surveys were completed and returned (margin of error, ±5%). Analysis of tabulated results indicated that 86% said they were extremely or very well prepared to practice comprehensive ophthalmology after residency training. Even so, about half of those respondents also desired some additional clinical training, and two thirds felt the need for some additional training in surgical areas (refractive, oculoplastics/orbital, glaucoma, retina, and pediatric ophthalmic surgery). At least 60% reported being not very or not at all well prepared in 6 of the nonclinical areas explored (business operations and finance, personal financial management, practice management skills, coding and reimbursement, political advocacy, and exposure to practice setting models). With the exception of personal financial management, most ophthalmologists thought training in all of these nonclinical areas was the responsibility of the residency training program. Conclusion: The transition from residency training to successful, efficient, ethical, high-quality ophthalmic practice demands a number of skills in addition to diagnostic acumen and surgical ability. In general, the U.S. residency program graduates surveyed are comfortable with their clinical training, but less so with their training in nonclinical areas. Opportunities to help ophthalmologists prepare better for the transition to clinical practice after training appear to exist and might be addressed by training programs, professional organizations, informal physician networks, and other stakeholders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are laboratory tests that have been said to have a strong correlation with a positive temporal artery biopsy in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA). Published reports suggest that the CRP is a more sensitive diagnostic indicator of GCA and can be elevated when the ESR is normal. It is also clear that the CRP and ESR can both be normal or both be elevated in patients with biopsy-proven GCA and that the CRP can be elevated when the ESR is normal. The purpose of this study was to ascertain if the CRP can be normal when the ESR is elevated in biopsy-proven GCA. Design: Retrospective, longitudinal, comparative study. Participants: One hundred nineteen patients from 6 major tertiary-care university-affiliated medical centers. Methods: The charts from 119 patients with temporal artery biopsies positive for GCA were reviewed for age, gender, pretreatment ESR, and pretreatment CRP. Main Outcome Measures: The ESR in millimeters per hour Westergren was graded as normal or abnormal based on 2 validated formulas. The CRP was graded as normal or abnormal based on established criteria set forth in the literature as well as at The Johns Hopkins Hematology laboratory. Results: In this study, the ESR had a sensitivity of 76% to 86%, depending on which of 2 formulas were used, whereas an elevated CRP had a sensitivity of 97.5%. The sensitivity of the ESR and CRP together was 99%. Only 1 of the 119 patients (0.8%) presented with a normal ESR and normal CRP (double false negative); 2 patients (1.7%) had a normal CRP despite an elevated ESR according to both formulas. Conclusion: Although most patients with GCA have both an elevated ESR and CRP, there can be nonconcordance of the 2 blood tests. Although such nonconcordance is most often a normal ESR but an elevated CRP, the finding of an elevated ESR and a normal CRP also is consistent with GCA. The use of both tests provides a slightly greater sensitivity for the diagnosis of GCA than the use of either test alone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]