Longitudinal changes on cranial magnetic resonance imaging in relapsing giant cell arteritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

There is a need for better tools to monitor disease activity in giant cell arteritis (GCA). Prior studies demonstrated that vascular enhancement on cranial vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (vw-MRI) decreases with treatment of GCA, but whether enhancement increases during relapse is not well known. This study examined changes on vw-MRI during relapse of cranial GCA.

Methods

Patients with active GCA acquired cranial vw-MRIs at enrollment and months 1, 6, and 12 and if suspected relapse occurred. Neuroradiologists graded vw-MRI enhancement for several structures. Changes in MRI scores were compared with clinically-determined disease activity and acute phase reactants (APR).

Results

Fourteen patients with GCA were included: 4 patients experienced a cranial

SUBMITTER: Zeng R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12639502 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature