Relationship between fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the large vessels and late aortic diameter in giant cell arteritis

Abstract

GCA-patients with increased FDG uptake in the aorta may be more prone to develop thoracic aortic dilatation than GCA patients without this sign of aortic involvement.

FDG Uptake by Prosthetic Arterial Grafts in Large Vessel Vasculitis Is Not Specific for Active Disease

“…18 F-FDG uptake by metabolically active cells provides an estimate of the extent and intensity of arterial wall inflammation in active giant cell (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TA) [3][4][5][6]. Co-registration of images generated by 18 F-FDG-PET/computerised tomography (CT) allows precise anatomic location of metabolic activity and enhanced sensitivity for detection of arterial wall inflammation [7].…”

“…Co-registration of images generated by 18 F-FDG-PET/computerised tomography (CT) allows precise anatomic location of metabolic activity and enhanced sensitivity for detection of arterial wall inflammation [7]. In TA, the principle role for 18 F-FDG-PET/CT lies in the diagnosis of active disease [1]. Likewise, 18 F-FDG-PET/CT can demonstrate LVV in patients with GCA and facilitates diagnosis in those presenting with prominent systemic symptoms, but without characteristic features such as headache and jaw claudication [6].…”

“…In TA, the principle role for 18 F-FDG-PET/CT lies in the diagnosis of active disease [1]. Likewise, 18 F-FDG-PET/CT can demonstrate LVV in patients with GCA and facilitates diagnosis in those presenting with prominent systemic symptoms, but without characteristic features such as headache and jaw claudication [6].…”

“…Acute phase reactants and multi-item activity indices do not accurately reflect local pathogenic events or predict arterial disease progression. Likewise, in this regard, the role of 18 F-FDG-PET/CT remains unclear. First there is concern regarding cumulative radiation exposure.…”

“…First there is concern regarding cumulative radiation exposure. Second, whilst in active TA the sensitivity and specificity of 18 F-FDG-PET/CT may be high [3], opinion is divided concerning its sensitivity for detecting partially-treated or relapsing disease [8]. Relatively poor correlation between 18 F-FDG uptake and disease activity markers is reported [9], while other studies suggest a closer relationship [10][11][12].…”