FDG Digital PET/CT as First Line Investigation for Giant Cell Arteritis

Launched by JEWISH GENERAL HOSPITAL · Aug 3, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating whether a new type of imaging test, called digital PET/CT, can help doctors diagnose giant cell arteritis (GCA) more effectively. GCA is a serious condition that causes inflammation in the arteries and can lead to complications like vision loss. Currently, doctors use older imaging methods that may not detect inflammation in the smaller arteries linked to blindness. In this study, patients suspected of having GCA will receive both an ultrasound of the temporal arteries and a digital PET/CT scan, which uses a small amount of radioactive glucose to highlight areas of inflammation. Researchers want to see if the digital PET/CT scan can provide accurate results on its own, making it easier and faster to diagnose GCA.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 50 years old, able to understand and agree to the study, and have certain blood test results indicating inflammation. They should also have new symptoms that suggest GCA, such as localized headaches or pain in the shoulders and hips. Participants will undergo the imaging tests and may have to wait for results, which will help researchers compare the effectiveness of the new imaging test to current methods. This trial is important because it aims to improve the way GCA is diagnosed, potentially leading to quicker treatment and better outcomes for patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥ 50 years, capable and willing to provide informed consent and can tolerate PET/CT.
• • ESR ≥ 50 mm/h and/or CRP ≥ 10mg/L within 1 week of PET/CT referral.
• * New suspected giant cell arteritis according to at least one of the following criteria:
• • Cranial GCA symptoms (new-onset localized headache, scalp or temporal artery tenderness, ischemia-related vision loss, masseter pain on prolonged mastication) PMR symptoms: shoulder and/or hip girdle pain associated with inflammatory stiffness.
• • Suspected large-vessel vasculitis based on angiography, MRA, or CTA.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Initiation of corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy \>4 days before PET/CT.
• • Prior TAB or treated GCA with suspected relapse.
• • Non-fasting or hyperglycemia (\>11.1 mmol/L) resulting in altered FDG biodistribution.