[18F]FDG PET/CT imaging of giant cell arteritis: contemporary practical guide to image acquisition and interpretation.

Q J Nucl Med Mol Imaging

Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.

Published: March 2025

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common of the large vessel vasculitides, with [F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT indicated for evaluation of suspected large vessel involvement. Advances in PET/CT technology, particularly with digital PET, have significantly improved the assessment of cranial artery involvement in GCA. Recent guidelines have been updated to incorporate [F]FDG PET/CT imaging in the diagnosis of GCA. This review article provides a practical guide to the most recent recommendations regarding PET/CT study indications, image acquisition and interpretation criteria for GCA, while discussing potential pitfalls and future research directions in the field.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.23736/S1824-4785.25.03611-8DOI Listing

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