Vessel Wall Enhancement in Giant Cell Arteritis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · May 9, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

**Trial Summary: Vessel Wall Enhancement in Giant Cell Arteritis**

This clinical trial is investigating how well magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help detect inflammation in the arteries that supply blood to the head, brain, and eyes in patients with Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). GCA, also known as temporal arteritis, can cause serious symptoms like headaches, vision problems, and jaw pain. The study is currently looking for participants who either have a new diagnosis of GCA or are experiencing a relapse of their condition with new or worsening symptoms. To be eligible, participants should have symptoms related to GCA and must be within 14 days of starting or increasing treatment with steroid medications, like prednisone.

Participants in the trial will have an MRI to check for signs of inflammation in their arteries. It's important to know that people with certain medical conditions, such as having a pacemaker or severe kidney issues, may not be able to participate. Additionally, individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or have significant anxiety about being in small spaces (claustrophobia) are also excluded. By participating, individuals will have the opportunity to contribute to research that may improve understanding and treatment of GCA for future patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• * Participant must be in one of the following groups:
• • 1. Suspected new diagnosis of GCA
• • 2. Suspected relapse of GCA (new or worsening symptoms attributed to active GCA) in patient with previously established diagnosis of GCA
• • The participant must have (or previously had) cranial manifestations related to or concerning for GCA including: visual symptoms, headache, temporal artery tenderness, jaw claudication, scalp tenderness, or stroke
• • Participant must be within 14 days of initiating or escalating systemic glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone) OR have ongoing cranial symptoms concerning for active disease at time of baseline MRI.
• • Participants who are receiving a clinically-indicated MRI at the time of enrollment may participate even if they meet exclusion criteria of creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min or mild gadolinium allergy
• • Participants must sign the informed consent form
• Exclusion Criteria:
• * Contra-indication to receiving MRI including:
• • Implanted medical devices, pacemaker and metallic foreign fragments inside body or orbit
• • Known gadolinium allergy
• • Estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 ml/min/1.73m2
• • Claustrophobia
• • Women who are pregnant or nursing