Distribution patterns of arterial affection and the influence of glucocorticoids on 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT in patients with giant cell arteritis.

Our study showed the frequent involvement of the thoracic aorta and brachiocephalic trunk in patients with GCA using PET/CT. Since these vascular compartments cannot be visualised by ultrasound, we advocate screening imaging of the aorta with PET/CT when GCA is suspected. Because the use of GC is associated with a marked decrease in the inflamed vascular segment in GCA, PET/CT should be performed as soon as possible.