PET/CT uncovers cranial giant cell arteritis

Abstract

Background: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammation of large and medium sized vessels, mainly affecting people over 50 years of age. Diagnosis needs to be made quickly to prevent complications. Steroids treatment should be started once diagnosis is made. Case presentation: Here we reported a case of cranial GCA in a 82-year-old man. [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging demonstrated higher FDG uptake in medium sized and cranial vessels. Glucocorticoid treatment was started, followed by a rapid and marked improvement of symptoms and inflammatory markers. Conclusions: This case report supports the role of PET/CT hybrid imaging as a useful noninvasive tool in the evaluation of cranial GCA.