Primary Large Vessel Vasculitis: Takayasu Arteritis and Giant Cell Arteritis.

Takayasu arteritis (TA) and Giant cell arteritis (GCA) are large vessel vasculitides, with TA targeting the aorta and its branches, and GCA targeting both large and medium-sized arteries. Early diagnosis of TA and GCA are of great importance, since delayed, inappropriate or no treatment can result in severe and permanent complications. Imaging plays a central role in establishing diagnosis, targeting lesions for confirmational diagnostic biopsy, specifically for GCA, and longitudinal disease evolution.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria Facilitate Judicious Use of CT Angiography for Stroke Workup in the Emergency Department.

Purpose: CT angiography (CTA) of the head and neck plays a key role in the evaluation of patients with stroke in the emergency department, particularly to evaluate for large-vessel occlusion and consider patients for mechanical thrombectomy. However, CTA is not always indicated and has various costs. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between ACR imaging appropriateness recommendations and findings explanatory for stroke on CTA of the head and neck.

Low-Grade Carotid Stenosis: Implications of MR Imaging.

Although treatment guidelines are well established for symptomatic patients with greater than 69% carotid stenosis on catheter angiography, optimal management of lower degrees of stenosis remain unclear. Vessel wall MR imaging of the carotid arteries has proved helpful in the evaluation of plaque burden and vulnerable plaque characteristics, and in stratifying risk in low-grade carotid stenosis. This article discusses the pathophysiology and imaging of atherosclerotic plaques resulting in low-grade carotid stenosis, and the corresponding stroke risk and association with plaque elsewhere in the cardiovascular system.