Impact of ultrasound limitation to assess aortitis in patients with giant cell arteritis: comparative study with FDG-PET/CT

Objective To determine the impact of ultrasound (US) intrinsic limitation to assess aortitis versus FDG-PET/CT in patients with US-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) and identify factors associated aortic involvement. Methods Retrospective observational study referred US fast-track clinics at two academic centres over a 4-year period. Only GCA confirmed by were included. Temporal arteries (TA) extracranial performed baseline. was according clinician’s criteria. An FDG artery uptake aorta higher than liver considered positive for aortitis. Results Seventy-two 186 underwent an FDG-PET/CT; 29 (40.3%) had 24 (33.3%) presented 6 (20.7%) negative findings large vessel (LV)-GCA. Among FDG-PET/CT, only (8.3%) LV-GCA. Patients younger (68.9 vs 81;p<0.001), more frequently females (79.2% 39.6%;p=0.002) platelets count (413.4 311.1;p=0014). TA less (41.7% 83.3%;p<0.001), but LV involvement (91.7% 41.7%; p<0.001) without None exhibited visual symptoms (0% 31.2%;p=0.001). Conclusions can detect one out every three GCA. However, examination LV-GCA suggests low risk Younger female thrombocytosis, absence manifestations on may present FDG-PET/CT.