![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)
Small- to medium-sized arteritis diagnosed by F-18 FDG PET/CT: A case report
Sang-Min Oh1, Seok Tae Lim2, Hwan-Jeong Jeong2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.
Rationale:
Early diagnosis of arteritis is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and often requires invasive procedures. This case illustrates the utility of F-18 FDG PET/CT as a noninvasive imaging modality for identifying inflammatory vascular diseases, thereby facilitating timely treatment and avoiding unnecessary interventions.
Patient Concerns:
A 65-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a persistent fever and generalized muscle pain lasting for 3 weeks.
Diagnoses:
F-18 FDG PET/CT revealed linear and branching tree-like patterns of hypermetabolism in the arteries of both arms and thighs, leading to the diagnosis of arteritis.
Interventions:
Following the rheumatologist's recommendation, intravenous prednisolone therapy was initiated.
Outcomes:
Shortly after starting prednisolone therapy, his fever subsided and muscle pain resolved.
Lessons:
This case highlights the valuable role of F-18 FDG PET/CT in diagnosing small- to medium-sized arteritis, providing a noninvasive approach that can help avoid unnecessary procedures and inappropriate use of antibiotics, while also enabling objective monitoring of treatment response.
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