Published in:
01-05-2019 | Giant Cell Arteritis | Nuclear Cardiology (V Dilsizian, Section Editor)
PET/CT for Diagnosis and Management of Large-Vessel Vasculitis
Authors:
Matthieu Pelletier-Galarneau, Terrence D. Ruddy
Published in:
Current Cardiology Reports
|
Issue 5/2019
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Abstract
Purpose of Review
This review aims to discuss the use of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET/CT) for diagnosis and management of patients with large-vessel vasculitis (LVV).
Recent Findings
Incidence of LVV is likely underestimated, in part due to its non-specific symptoms. Nevertheless, early diagnosis of LVV is essential to initiate timely therapy in order to prevent vascular complications, such as stenoses and aneurysms. FDG PET/CT imaging has the ability to detect LVV during the acute phase, prior to edema and other vascular structural changes, with its high sensitivity for inflammatory activity. FDG PET/CT was shown to be a powerful prognostic marker by allowing identification of patients at risk of vascular complications. Additionally, preliminary data support the use of FDG PET/CT to follow therapy efficacy.
Summary
FDG PET/CT allows early detection of inflammation, before morphological and irreversible vascular changes can be observed, allowing prompt diagnosis and treatment of LVV.