[Imaging procedures for giant cell arteritis (Horton's disease)].
This review article highlights several diagnostic imaging modalities in giant cell arteritis. Color-coded Duplex sonography is a relatively cost-efficient but strongly observer-dependent imaging modality. It may be difficult to distinguish inflammatory from atherosclerotic mural changes. Positron emission tomography with (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose is very sensitive in detecting extracranial involvement of large vessel vasculitis. However, it provides no information on inflammatory changes of the superficial cranial arteries. High-resolution MRI is a new observer-independent method that allows visualizing and assessing the superficial cranial arteries in high detail. Extracranial large artery involvement can be evaluated during the same investigation. At present, only single-center experiences with this promising but rather complex procedure exist. A comparative multicenter trial is about to be initiated.
Abteilung Röntgendiagnostik und Medizinphysik, Universitätsklinikum, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg. thorsten.bley@uniklinik-freiburg.de
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D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000473:pathology; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color