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Liver scan abnormalities in polymyalgia rheumatica/giant cell arteritis.
V Kyle1, E P Wraight, B L Hazleman
1Department of Rheumatology Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
Clinical Rheumatology
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Liver involvement is common in polymyalgia rheumatica/giant cell arteritis (PMR/GCA). Abnormal liver function tests and reduced hepatic blood flow in GCA patients may indicate hepatic arteritis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Hepatology
- Vascular Inflammation
Background:
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are inflammatory conditions.
- Liver involvement can occur in PMR/GCA, but its extent and mechanisms require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess liver involvement in PMR/GCA patients before and during treatment.
- To investigate potential causes of liver abnormalities in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Clinical assessment of 74 PMR/GCA patients.
- Liver function tests, isotope scans, and hepatic blood flow studies were performed.
- Follow-up extended up to 3.5 years.
Main Results:
- Twenty-seven patients had elevated alkaline phosphatase, normalizing after 2.6 weeks of treatment.
- Isotope scans were abnormal in 7/29 patients, persisting in some cases.
- Reduced hepatic arterial flow was observed in GCA patients, improving with treatment.
Conclusions:
- Liver function abnormalities and altered hepatic blood flow are present in PMR/GCA.
- Hepatic arteritis is a potential cause for these observed liver abnormalities in GCA patients.