Longitudinal Imaging in Patients With Large Vessel Vasculitis to Predict Further Disease Course

Longitudinal Imaging in Patients With Large Vessel Vasculitis to Predict Further Disease Course

Longitudinal imaging in patients with large vessel vasculitis to predict further disease course

This explorative longitudinal prospective observational study is to explore different aspects of vessel wall characteristics as detected by magnet resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) in patients with large vessel giant cell Arteriitis (LV-GCA) for their usefulness as predictive factor for future giant cell arteritis (GCA) relapse. It analyses parameters in PET/CT and MRI in patients with GCA at treatment stop which correlate with GCA relapse within the first 6 months after treatment stop.

Patients included in the established local GCA database (BARK) will be screened for eligibility. Aortal imaging is performed during routine care according to established guidelines at diagnosis and during Follow Up at least every two years and before treatment stop.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed diagnosis of GCA and having a diagnosis of LV-GCA confirmed by imaging (PET/CT)
• Informed consent to the local GCA cohort BARK
• Followed for GCA treatment in the outpatient department.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to Gadolinium (Gd)-based MRI contrast agents.
• Patients with cardiac pacemakers, intra cranial clips, metallic foreign bodies or other not MR-compatible implants (e.g. pumps etc.).
• Renal failure or severely impaired kidney function (eGFR < 30 ml/min /1,73 m2)
• Epilepsy.