FDG PET/CT in large vessel vasculitis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Large vessel vasculitides (LVV) are immune-mediated inflammatory conditions affecting medium to large arteries.
• Giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, and aortitis/periaortitis are key examples of LVV.
• Non-specific clinical symptoms necessitate advanced diagnostic imaging for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical features of LVV and polymyalgia rheumatica.
• To summarize the evidence supporting the use of FDG PET/CT in assessing LVV.
• To provide practical guidance on FDG PET/CT for LVV diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical presentations of LVV and polymyalgia rheumatica.
• Systematic evaluation of studies utilizing FDG PET/CT for LVV assessment.
• Development of recommendations for patient preparation, image acquisition, and interpretation.

Main Results:

• FDG PET/CT is a powerful metabolic imaging tool for non-invasive, whole-body assessment of vascular inflammation.
• Evidence supports FDG PET/CT's role in diagnosing and monitoring LVV.
• Specific protocols enhance the utility of FDG PET/CT in this context.

Conclusions:

• FDG PET/CT is a valuable diagnostic modality for large vessel vasculitis.
• Comprehensive guidance is provided for optimizing FDG PET/CT use in clinical practice.
• This imaging technique aids in the early and accurate diagnosis of LVV.