Optic Nerve Sheath Ultrasound in Giant Cell Arteritis

Summary

The Sonographic Assessment of the Optic Nerve Sheath in Giant Cell Arteritis (SONIC-GCA) study will evaluate the performance of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), measured via ultrasound, to diagnose and monitor GCA. SONIC-GCA builds upon our previous pilot studies and will answer the following questions:

1. What is the performance of ONSD to identify patients with new-onset, active GCA?
2. Is ONSD useful for monitoring GCA relapses during follow-up?
3. What is the intra- and interobserver reliability of ONSD measurements?
4. Does ONSD differ between patients with and without GCA-related retinal findings?

Conditions

• Giant Cell Arteritis
• Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
• Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Optic nerve sheath ultrasound

The patients are examined in a supine relaxed position. The probe is gently placed on the closed eyelid with a standard ultrasound gel and adjusted to a suitable angle to display the optic nerve entry into the eyeball. Measurements are done 3mm distal to the posterior aspect of the ocular globe. Ultrasosonographic 14L5 probe is used with a safe thermal index, mechanical index and intensity limit. All patients will also undergo a bedside fundoscopic examination. Official ophthalmology consultation will be requested in patients with visual symptoms or abnormal fundoscopy.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Standardized GCA assessment

Clinical assesment, blood test review, temporal/axillary artery ultrasound

Sponsors & Collaborators

• McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

  collaborator OTHER

• Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal

  collaborator OTHER

• Estrie University Integrated Health and Social Services Center - University Hospital of Sherbrooke

  collaborator OTHER

• Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada

  collaborator OTHER

• St. Joseph's Health Care London

  collaborator OTHER

• Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

  collaborator OTHER

• Centre Integre Universitaire de Sante et Services Sociaux du Nord de l'ile de Montreal

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Jean-Paul Makhzoum, MD · Vasculitis Clinic, Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal, University of Montreal

Eligibility

Min Age

50 Years

Max Age

99 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-08-31

Primary Completion

2027-12-31

Completion

2029-03-31

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations