Systemic vasculitides and the role of multitechnique imaging in the diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology and Immunology
• Radiology and Medical Imaging

Background:

• Vasculitis involves systemic inflammation of blood vessels, posing diagnostic and management challenges.
• Classification of systemic vasculitides traditionally relies on affected vessel size.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of vasculitis classification.
• To summarize current literature on vasculitis diagnosis.
• To review imaging techniques and findings for large vessel vasculitides.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advancements in vasculitis classification.
• Comprehensive analysis of diagnostic imaging modalities for vasculitis.
• Emphasis on imaging findings specific to large vessel vasculitis.

Main Results:

• Updated classification criteria for systemic vasculitides.
• Overview of established and novel imaging techniques (e.g., MRI, CT, PET).
• Detailed description of characteristic imaging findings in large vessel vasculitis.

Conclusions:

• Imaging is indispensable for diagnosing large vessel vasculitis.
• Recent advances in imaging offer improved diagnostic accuracy.
• An integrated approach combining clinical, laboratory, and imaging data is essential.