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Imaging findings in extracranial (giant cell) temporal arteritis
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. stanson.anthony@mayo.edu
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|August 19, 2000
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) causes arterial blockages, primarily in upper limbs, detectable via imaging like MRA. Active disease is indicated by arterial wall inflammation, visible with contrast-enhanced CT or MRI.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Extracranial giant cell arteritis (GCA) is characterized by arterial inflammation and stenosis.
- Occlusive arterial lesions are common in GCA, particularly affecting the subclavian, axillary, and brachial arteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the imaging characteristics of extracranial giant cell arteritis.
- To highlight the diagnostic capabilities of various imaging modalities for detecting GCA-related arterial lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of angiographic findings in 65 patients with extracranial GCA.
- Analysis of lesion patterns, including stenoses, occlusions, and aneurysms.
- Comparison of imaging techniques: arteriography, IV-DSA, CT scanning, and MRA.
Main Results:
- Upper extremity arteries were involved in 61 patients, lower extremities in 13.
- Typical arteriographic pattern shows bilateral, smooth, tapered stenoses or occlusions.
- Inflammation of the arterial wall, indicative of active disease, can be detected by contrast-enhanced CT and specific MRI sequences.
Conclusions:
- Imaging modalities like MRA and CT angiography are crucial for detecting lumen-depicting GCA lesions.
- Detecting arterial wall inflammation using contrast-enhanced CT or MRI is vital for diagnosing active GCA.