The role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography in the diagnosis and monitoring of large vessel vasculitides - a review article

Am J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2023 Aug 15;13(4):127-135. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

In the last two decades, advancements in positron emission tomography (PET) technology have increased the diagnostic accuracy of patients with large-vessel vasculitis (LVV). Numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been conducted, and patients suspected of having LVV can be diagnosed earlier with 18F-FDG PET. Two subtypes, giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TA), will progress when their response to corticosteroids and enhanced immunosuppression is inadequate. In the majority of patients, disease activity cannot be monitored solely through laboratory procedures; consequently, glucose metabolism may be a source of potential biomarkers. In this article, we discuss the current state of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging standards.

Keywords: PET scan; computed tomography; vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Review