This research aims to determine the prognostic relevance of cranial artery involvement in diagnosing giant cell arteritis using 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Evaluated 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in a multicenter cohort of patients diagnosed with giant cell arteritis.
Analyzed the uptake in cephalic branches of the external carotid artery.
Assessed the correlation between arterial uptake and relapse rates.
Increased uptake in cephalic branches was identified as an independent prognostic factor for relapse.
Patients with higher uptake of the affected arteries were more likely to experience relapses.
Abstract
In patients with GCA, increased uptake of the cephalic branches of the external carotid artery on initial 18 F-FDG PET/CT was an independent prognostic factor for relapse.