18F-FDG PET/CT in polymyalgia rheumatica-a pictorial review

Br J Radiol. 2017 Aug;90(1076):20170198. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20170198. Epub 2017 Jun 16.

Abstract

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is one of the inflammatory rheumatic diseases that can potentially be detected by positron emission tomography/CT. High fluorine-18 fludeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) accumulation around the shoulders, sternoclavicular and hip joints are the most common pre-treatment features of patients with PMR. Another common sign is increased 18F-FDG uptake in extra-articular regions between columnal spinous processes, near ischial tuberosities and in the praepubic area. Some patients also present with high 18F-FDG uptake in main arteries, corresponding to the characteristics of giant cell arteritis. It is possible to observe a decrease or even a disappearance of 18F-FDG uptake after effective therapy, an event which may be useful for the monitoring of treatment as well as for detection of PMR relapse.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Hip Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica / diagnostic imaging*
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Shoulder Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Sternoclavicular Joint / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18