18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica:...

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PR) can be associated with large vessel vasculitis (LVV). We evaluate the diagnostic role of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) and its impact on the treatment of LVV associated with PR.

Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with PR. Data was collected from health records. Blood analysis included acute-phase reactants (APR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. An ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scan was performed in those patients whose symptoms persisted, in those with elevated APR, those who required higher doses of steroids or those who had atypical features of PR (low-grade fever, weight loss, among others).

Twenty-three were eligible; 48% (n = 11) of the patients were diagnosed with LVV associated with PR. The site was heterogeneous, but mostly involved the aorta. In 80% of the patients with LVV, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug was added to their treatment. Elevated CRP values were associated with the likelihood of presenting LVV.

LVV is not uncommon, clinical features and elevated CRP levels should raise suspicion of LVV associated with PR. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is useful in identifying LVV associated with PR.