Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET in Large-Vessel Vasculitis and Aortitis

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT has emerged as a pivotal imaging modality for the diagnosis and management of large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) and aortitis. This review examines the current evidence and clinical applications of FDG-PET in giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, isolated aortitis, and infectious aortitis. Recent ACR/EULAR classification criteria now formally incorporate PET imaging findings, reflecting the modality's diagnostic importance. Meta-analyses report pooled sensitivities of approximately 80% to 84% and specificities of 87% to 89% for LVV diagnosis. The EANM/SNMMI joint procedural recommendations provide standardized protocols for patient preparation, image acquisition, and interpretation, including the use of visual grading scales.