[18F]-FDG PET/CT scan detected giant cell arteritis after negative temporal artery biopsy

Abstract

Giant Cell Arteritis is frequently associated to polymyalgia rheumatica. A 65-years old female patient with a 1-year history of polymyalgia rheumatica was admitted with clinical symptoms and laboratory data of a subacute inflammatory process. Cranial and whole-body CT scans were normal. A [18F]-FDG PET/CT scan showed an extensive increased uptake in the walls of the thoracic and abdominal aorta and also in the common carotid, subclavian and axillary arteries. Biopsy of temporal artery confirmed the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. © Medina-Quiroz et al.