Primary Large Vessel Vasculitis: Takayasu Arteritis and Giant Cell Arteritis

Abstract

Takayasu arteritis (TA) and Giant cell arteritis (GCA) are large vessel vasculitides, with TA targeting the aorta and its branches, and GCA targeting both large and medium-sized arteries. Early diagnosis of TA and GCA are of great importance, since delayed, inappropriate or no treatment can result in severe and permanent complications. Imaging plays a central role in establishing diagnosis, targeting lesions for confirmational diagnostic biopsy, specifically for GCA, and longitudinal disease evolution. In this article, we discuss imaging diagnosis of large artery vasculitis and the value of different imaging modalities.

Keywords: CTA; Giant cell arteritis; Large vessel vasculitis; MRA; PET/CT; Takayasu arteritis; Vessel wall MRI.