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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings Corresponding to Vasculitis as Defined via [18F]FDG Positron Emission Tomography or Ultrasound

Authors :
Andrea K. Hemmig
Christof Rottenburger
Markus Aschwanden
Christoph T. Berger
Diego Kyburz
Maurice Pradella
Daniel Staub
Stephan Imfeld
Gregor Sommer
Thomas Daikeler
Source :
Diagnostics, Vol 13, Iss 23, p 3559 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

Background: We sought to investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters that correspond to vasculitis observed via [18F]FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and ultrasound in patients with large-vessel giant cell arteritis (LV-GCA). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of patients diagnosed with LV-GCA. Patients were selected if MRI, PET/CT, and vascular ultrasound were performed at the time of LV-GCA diagnosis. Imaging findings in vessel segments (axillary segment per side, thoracic aorta) assessed using at least two methods were compared. Vessel wall thickening, oedema, and contrast agent enhancement were each assessed via MRI. Results: Twelve patients with newly diagnosed LV-GCA were included (seven females, 58%; median age 72.1, IQR 65.5–74.2 years). The MRI results showed mural thickening in 9/24 axillary artery segments. All but 1 segment showed concomitant oedema, and additional contrast enhancement was found in 3/9 segments. In total, 8 of these 9 segments corresponded to vasculitic findings in the respective segments as observed via PET/CT, and 2/9 corresponded to vasculitis in the respective ultrasound images. If MRI was performed more than 6 days after starting prednisone treatment, thickening and oedema were seen in only 1/24 segments, which was also pathologic according to ultrasound findings but not those obtained via PET/CT. Four patients had mural thickening, oedema, and contrast enhancement in the aorta, among whom three patients also had vasculitic findings observed via PET/CT. Isolated mural thickening in one patient corresponded to a negative PET/CT result. Conclusions: In the MRI results, mural thickening due to oedema corresponded to vasculitic PET/CT findings but not vasculitic ultrasound findings. The duration of steroid treatment may reduce the sensitivity of MRI.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20754418
Volume :
13
Issue :
23
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Diagnostics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.07e3420959224ddea1758921f28c7b6a
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13233559