![Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity and Vascular Inflammation using [18-F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography FDG-PET/CT](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F3777.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Characterising polymyalgia rheumatica on whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT: an atlas
Claire E Owen1,2, Aurora M T Poon3, Bonnia Liu1
1Department of Rheumatology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
The impact of modern imaging in uncovering the underlying pathology of PMR cannot be understated. Long dismissed as an inflammatory syndrome with links to the large vessel vasculitis giant cell arteritis (GCA), a pathognomonic pattern of musculotendinous inflammation is now attributed to PMR and may be used to confirm its diagnosis. Among the available modalities, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT is increasingly recognized for its high sensitivity and specificity, as well as added ability to detect concomitant large vessel GCA and exclude other relevant differentials like infection and malignancy. This atlas provides a contemporary depiction of PMR's pathology and outlines how this knowledge translates into a pattern of findings on whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT that can reliably confirm its diagnosis.
Insights
Modern imaging, particularly 18F-FDG PET/CT, now reveals specific inflammation patterns for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). This technique aids in confirming PMR diagnosis and detecting associated conditions like giant cell arteritis (GCA).
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) was historically considered an inflammatory syndrome linked to giant cell arteritis (GCA).
- Recent advancements highlight a distinct pattern of musculotendinous inflammation characteristic of PMR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the contemporary pathology of PMR.
- To demonstrate how imaging findings on 18F-FDG PET/CT confirm PMR diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing whole-body 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT imaging.
- Correlating imaging findings with PMR's underlying pathology.
Main Results:
- 18F-FDG PET/CT shows high sensitivity and specificity for PMR diagnosis.
- Imaging can identify concurrent large vessel GCA and differentiate PMR from infection or malignancy.
Conclusions:
- Modern imaging, especially 18F-FDG PET/CT, is crucial for understanding and diagnosing PMR.
- A specific pattern of inflammation on PET/CT reliably confirms PMR and aids in differential diagnosis.
More Related Videos
10:04Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
10:30Whole Body and Regional Quantification of Active Human Brown Adipose Tissue Using 18F-FDG PET/CT
Published on: April 1, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:29Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body...
01:25Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...