Molecular imaging of large vessel vasculitis
Claudine Régis1, Gad Abikhzer2, Francois Harel1
1Department of Medical Imaging, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
|December 14, 2023
Summary
Large vessel vasculitis (LVV), including giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK), requires prompt diagnosis. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) aids in detecting vascular inflammation and guiding treatment for LVV.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Nuclear Imaging
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Large vessel vasculitis (LVV) encompasses conditions like giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK), primarily affecting large arteries.
- Symptoms are often nonspecific, including headache, fatigue, weight loss, and visual disturbances, potentially leading to severe complications like blindness or aortic dissection if untreated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the critical role of FDG-PET/CT in the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of LVV.
- To review essential technical and interpretation parameters for effective FDG-PET/CT utilization in managing LVV.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical guidelines regarding FDG-PET/CT in LVV.
- Discussion of imaging protocols, interpretation criteria, and clinical applications of FDG-PET/CT for GCA and TAK.
Main Results:
- FDG-PET/CT is a sensitive imaging modality for detecting active inflammation in large vessels.
- Its integration into clinical practice aids in early diagnosis and assessment of treatment response in LVV patients.
Conclusions:
- FDG-PET/CT is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and management of large vessel vasculitis.
- Understanding technical and interpretation nuances is crucial for optimizing its use in clinical decision-making for GCA and TAK.
