In a new systematic literature review published by Dejaco et al in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) offered updated recommendations regarding the clinical use of imaging modalities in patients with large vessel vasculitis. A task force of 24 physicians, health-care professionals, and patients examined data from ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and fluorine-18–fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans. The task force determined that ultrasounds were the recommended first-line imaging tests in patients with potential giant cell arteritis. They noted that FDG-PET or MRI scans should be used as alternatives to ultrasound when examining the cranial and extracranial arteries. Further, MRI scans should be used to evaluate Takayasu arteritis—and substituted with FDG-PET, CT scans, or ultrasounds when necessary. When following up with patients with large vessel vasculitis, ultrasounds, FDG-PET, and MRI scans may be used to identify vessel abnormalities. EULAR hopes the new recommendations can provide physicians with guidance when conducting imaging to diagnose or assess this patient population.
August 31, 2023