Usefulness of PET in recognizing and managing vasculitides

Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2018 Jan;30(1):24-29. doi: 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000459.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this article was to review the recent contributions to the scoring methods of PET in vasculitis as well as to its role in the diagnostic work-up.

Recent findings: Both visual and semiquantitative scoring methods can be used to interpret PET scans. PET has been shown to be both sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of large-vessel vasculitis. In addition, it also has a role in predicting vascular complications.

Summary: There is a need to better standardize the scoring methods used to interpret PET scans. In clinical practice, PET is useful to diagnose untreated individuals with suspected large-vessel vasculitis and contributes to identify patients at risk for vascular complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / therapy
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / diagnostic imaging
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / therapy
  • Humans
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Prognosis
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Research Design
  • Retroperitoneal Fibrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Retroperitoneal Fibrosis / therapy
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Vascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Vascular Diseases / etiology
  • Vasculitis / complications
  • Vasculitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vasculitis / therapy

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18