Improvements in positron emission tomography (PET) technology have contributed to increased diagnostic accuracy in patients with large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) over the last decades. Many systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted, and earlier diagnosis by 18F-FDG PET can be made in patients suspected of having LVV. Two subtypes, Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis, will progress when poorly responding to corticosteroids and augmented immunosuppression. In most patients, disease activity cannot be monitored by laboratory tests alone; therefore, glucose metabolism may be a source for possible biomarkers. In this review, we present current concepts regarding 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging standards.
Keywords: 18F-FDG PET/CT; Giant cell arteritis; Large vessel vasculitis; Takayasu arteritis.