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El Haddad J, Charbonneau F, Guillaume J, Clavel G, Chazal T, Poillon G, Tran A, Niro A, Sore R, Litman-Roventa L, Mahe K, Chhour S, Savatovsky J, Lecler A. Reproducibility and accuracy of vessel wall MRI in diagnosing giant cell arteritis: a study with readers of varying expertise. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:5360-5369. [PMID: 38206404 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10567-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the reproducibility of vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI) in diagnosing giant cell arteritis (GCA) among groups of radiologists with varying levels of expertise. METHODS This institutional review board-approved retrospective single-center study recruited patients with suspected GCA between December 2014 and September 2021. Patients underwent 3 -T VW-MRI before temporal artery biopsy. Ten radiologists with varying levels of expertise, blinded to all data, evaluated several intracranial and extracranial arteries to assess GCA diagnosis. Interobserver reproducibility and diagnostic performance were evaluated. RESULTS Fifty patients (27 women and 23 men) with a mean age of 75.9 ± 9 years were included. Thirty-one of 50 (62%) had a final diagnosis of GCA.VW-MRI had an almost perfect reproducibility among expert readers (kappa = 0.93; 95% CI 0.77-1) and substantial reproducibility among all readers, junior and non-expert senior readers (kappa = 0.7; 95% CI 0.66-0.73; kappa = 0.67 95% CI 0.59-0.74; kappa = 0.65; 95% CI 0.43-0.88 respectively) when diagnosing GCA. Substantial interobserver agreement was observed for the frontal branch of superficial temporal artery. Moderate interobserver agreement was observed for the superficial temporal artery and its parietal branch, as well as ophthalmic arteries in all groups of readers. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy varied depending on the group of readers. CONCLUSION VW-MRI is a reproducible and accurate imaging modality for detecting GCA, even among less-experienced readers. This study advocates for the use of VW-MRI when diagnosing GCA even in less-experienced centers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT VW-MRI is a reproducible and accurate imaging modality for detecting GCA, even among less-experienced readers, and it could be used as a first-line diagnostic tool for GCA in centers with limited expertise in GCA diagnosis. KEY POINTS • Vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI) is a reproducible and accurate imaging modality for detecting giant cell arteritis (GCA) in both extracranial and intracranial arteries. • The reproducibility of vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging for giant cell arteritis diagnosis was high among expert readers and moderate among less-experienced readers. • The use of vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging for giant cell arteritis diagnosis can be recommended even in centers with less-experienced readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme El Haddad
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France.
| | | | - Jessica Guillaume
- Department of Clinical Research, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Gaëlle Clavel
- Department of Internal Medicine, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Thibaud Chazal
- Department of Internal Medicine, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Poillon
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Alexia Tran
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Niro
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Rémi Sore
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Luca Litman-Roventa
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Kévin Mahe
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Samantha Chhour
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Julien Savatovsky
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Augustin Lecler
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France.
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Allam MN, Baba Ali N, Mahmoud AK, Scalia IG, Farina JM, Abbas MT, Pereyra M, Kamel MA, Awad KA, Wang Y, Barry T, Huang SS, Nguyen BD, Yang M, Jokerst CE, Martinez F, Ayoub C, Arsanjani R. Multi-Modality Imaging in Vasculitis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:838. [PMID: 38667483 PMCID: PMC11049623 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14080838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic vasculitides are a rare and complex group of diseases that can affect multiple organ systems. Clinically, presentation may be vague and non-specific and as such, diagnosis and subsequent management are challenging. These entities are typically classified by the size of vessel involved, including large-vessel vasculitis (giant cell arteritis, Takayasu's arteritis, and clinically isolated aortitis), medium-vessel vasculitis (including polyarteritis nodosa and Kawasaki disease), and small-vessel vasculitis (granulomatosis with polyangiitis and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis). There are also other systemic vasculitides that do not fit in to these categories, such as Behcet's disease, Cogan syndrome, and IgG4-related disease. Advances in medical imaging modalities have revolutionized the approach to diagnosis of these diseases. Specifically, color Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography and angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, or invasive catheterization as indicated have become fundamental in the work up of any patient with suspected systemic or localized vasculitis. This review presents the key diagnostic imaging modalities and their clinical utility in the evaluation of systemic vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed N. Allam
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Nima Baba Ali
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Ahmed K. Mahmoud
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Isabel G. Scalia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Juan M. Farina
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Mohammed Tiseer Abbas
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Milagros Pereyra
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Moaz A. Kamel
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Kamal A. Awad
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Yuxiang Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Timothy Barry
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Steve S. Huang
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA (B.D.N.)
| | - Ba D. Nguyen
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA (B.D.N.)
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA (B.D.N.)
| | | | - Felipe Martinez
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA (B.D.N.)
| | - Chadi Ayoub
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Reza Arsanjani
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (M.N.A.); (M.T.A.)
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Pouncey AL, Yeldham G, Magan T, Lucenteforte E, Jaffer U, Virgili G. Halo sign on temporal artery ultrasound versus temporal artery biopsy for giant cell arteritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 2:CD013199. [PMID: 38323659 PMCID: PMC10848297 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013199.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic, inflammatory vasculitis primarily affecting people over the age of 50 years. GCA is treated as a medical emergency due to the potential for sudden, irreversible visual loss. Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is one of the five criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 classification, which is used to aid the diagnosis of GCA. TAB is an invasive test, and it can be slow to obtain a result due to delays in performing the procedure and the time taken for histopathologic assessment. Temporal artery ultrasonography (US) has been demonstrated to show findings in people with GCA such as the halo sign (a hypoechoic circumferential wall thickening due to oedema), stenosis or occlusion that can help to confirm a diagnosis more swiftly and less invasively, but requiring more subjective interpretation. This review will help to determine the role of these investigations in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the halo sign on temporal artery US, using the ACR 1990 classification as a reference standard, to investigate whether US could be used as triage for TAB. To compare the accuracy of US with TAB in the subset of paired studies that have obtained both tests on the same patients, to investigate whether it could replace TAB as one of the criteria in the ACR 1990 classification. SEARCH METHODS We used standard Cochrane search methods for diagnostic accuracy. The date of the search was 13 September 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all participants with clinically suspected GCA who were investigated for the presence of the halo sign on temporal artery US, using the ACR 1990 criteria as a reference standard. We included studies with participants with a prior diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica. We excluded studies if participants had had two or more weeks of steroid treatment prior to the investigations. We also included any comparative test accuracy studies of the halo sign on temporal artery US versus TAB, with use of the 1990 ACR diagnostic criteria as a reference standard. Although we have chosen to use this classification for the purpose of the meta-analysis, we accept that it incorporates unavoidable incorporation bias, as TAB is itself one of the five criteria. This increases the specificity of TAB, making it difficult to compare with US. We excluded case-control studies, as they overestimate accuracy, as well as case series in which all participants had a prior diagnosis of GCA, as they can only address sensitivity and not specificity. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion in the review. They extracted data using a standardised data collection form and employed the QUADAS-2 tool to assess methodological quality. As not enough studies reported data at our prespecified halo threshold of 0.3 mm, we fitted hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) models to estimate US sensitivity and also to compare US with TAB. We graded the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS Temporal artery ultrasound was investigated in 15 studies (617 participants with GCA out of 1479, 41.7%), with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 381 participants (median 69). There was wide variation in sensitivity with a median value of 0.78 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.45 to 0.83; range 0.03 to 1.00), while specificity was fair to good in most studies with a median value of 0.91 (IQR 0.78 to 1.00; range 0.40 to 1.00) and four studies with a specificity of 1.00. The hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) estimate of sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI)) at the high specificity of 0.95 was 0.51 (0.21 to 0.81), and 0.84 (0.58 to 0.95) at 0.80 specificity. We considered the evidence on sensitivity and specificity as of very low certainty due to risk of bias (-1), imprecision (-1), and inconsistency (-1). Only four studies reported data at a halo cut-off > 0.3 mm, finding the following sensitivities and specificities (95% CI): 0.80 (0.56 to 0.94) and 0.94 (0.81 to 0.99) in 55 participants; 0.10 (0.00 to 0.45) and 1.00 (0.84 to 1.00) in 31 participants; 0.73 (0.54 to 0.88) and 1.00 (0.93 to 1.00) in 82 participants; 0.83 (0.63 to 0.95) and 0.72 (0.64 to 0.79) in 182 participants. Data on a direct comparison of temporal artery US with biopsy were obtained from 11 studies (808 participants; 460 with GCA, 56.9%). The sensitivity of US ranged between 0.03 and 1.00 with a median of 0.75, while that of TAB ranged between 0.33 and 0.92 with a median of 0.73. The specificity was 1.00 in four studies for US and in seven for TAB. At high specificity (0.95), the sensitivity of US and TAB were 0.50 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.76) versus 0.80 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.93), respectively, and at low specificity (0.80) they were 0.73 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.88) versus 0.92 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.98). We considered the comparative evidence on the sensitivity of US versus TAB to be of very low certainty because specificity was overestimated for TAB since it is one of the criteria used in the reference standard (-1), together with downgrade due to risk of bias (-1), imprecision (-1), and inconsistency (-1) for both sensitivity and specificity. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is limited published evidence on the accuracy of temporal artery US for detecting GCA. Ultrasound seems to be moderately sensitive when the specificity is good, but data were heterogeneous across studies and either did not use the same halo thickness threshold or did not report it. We can draw no conclusions from accuracy studies on whether US can replace TAB for diagnosing GCA given the very low certainty of the evidence. Future research could consider using the 2016 revision of the ACR criteria as a reference standard, which will limit incorporation bias of TAB into the reference standard.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geoffrey Yeldham
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Tejal Magan
- Kings College NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ersilia Lucenteforte
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications "G. Parenti", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Usman Jaffer
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Gianni Virgili
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- IRCCS- Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
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Ike RW, McCoy SS, Kalunian KC. What Bedside Skills Could the Modern Rheumatologist Possess? Part II. "Certain Technical Procedures". J Clin Rheumatol 2023:00124743-990000000-00172. [PMID: 37983677 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000002022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Rheumatologists have never been reluctant to adopt procedures that might enhance their diagnostic or therapeutic powers. Their propensity to penetrate the joints of the patients they were treating set them apart from the general internist. Since the 1980s, when a chance to look inside the joints they were treating attracted a few rheumatologists, other things that could be done at the bedside emerged with now an array of bedside procedures that could be part of a rheumatologist's skill set. Besides gains in diagnosis and/or therapy, each constitutes a chance to restore the physical contact between physician and patient, riven by factors of the last decade, such as electronic medical records and COVID. With such contact so important to satisfaction of the patient and physician alike, acquisition of proficiency in certain technical procedures described herein offers one path to begin restoring rheumatology to the richly fulfilling practice it once was.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Ike
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sara S McCoy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Kenneth C Kalunian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA
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Pankow A, Sinno S, Derlin T, Hiss M, Wagner AD. Mycophenolate mofetil in giant cell arteritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1254747. [PMID: 38020122 PMCID: PMC10666624 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1254747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic granulomatous vasculitis affecting the large arteries. Abnormal lymphocyte function has been noted as a pathogenic factor in GCA. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase and is therefore a highly lymphocyte-specific immunosuppressive therapy. We aimed to assess the efficacy of MMF for inducing remission in GCA. Methods Seven patients (5 female, 2 male) with GCA under therapy with MMF and who were treated at the outpatient clinic for rare inflammatory systemic diseases at Hannover Medical School between 2010 and 2023 were retrospectively included in the study. All patients underwent duplex sonography, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The primary endpoints were the number of recurrences, CRP levels at 3-6 and 6-12 months, and the period of remission. Results All patients in this case series showed inflammatory activity of the arterial vessels in at least one of the imaging modalities: duplex sonography (n = 5), 18F-FDG PET (n = 5), MRI (n = 6), and/or biopsy (n = 5). CRP levels of all patients decreased at the measurement time points 3-6 months, and 6-9 months after initiation of therapy with MMF compared with CRP levels before MMF therapy. All patients with GCA in this case series achieved disease remission. Discussion The results of the present case series indicate that MMF is an effective therapy in controlling disease activity in GCA, which should be investigated in future randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Pankow
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Sena Sinno
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thorsten Derlin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Marcus Hiss
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
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Tomelleri A, van der Geest KSM, Khurshid MA, Sebastian A, Coath F, Robbins D, Pierscionek B, Dejaco C, Matteson E, van Sleen Y, Dasgupta B. Disease stratification in GCA and PMR: state of the art and future perspectives. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023:10.1038/s41584-023-00976-8. [PMID: 37308659 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00976-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are closely related conditions characterized by systemic inflammation, a predominant IL-6 signature, an excellent response to glucocorticoids, a tendency to a chronic and relapsing course, and older age of the affected population. This Review highlights the emerging view that these diseases should be approached as linked conditions, unified under the term GCA-PMR spectrum disease (GPSD). In addition, GCA and PMR should be seen as non-monolithic conditions, with different risks of developing acute ischaemic complications and chronic vascular and tissue damage, different responses to available therapies and disparate relapse rates. A comprehensive stratification strategy for GPSD, guided by clinical findings, imaging and laboratory data, facilitates appropriate therapy and cost-effective use of health-economic resources. Patients presenting with predominant cranial symptoms and vascular involvement, who usually have a borderline elevation of inflammatory markers, are at an increased risk of sight loss in early disease but have fewer relapses in the long term, whereas the opposite is observed in patients with predominant large-vessel vasculitis. How the involvement of peripheral joint structures affects disease outcomes remains uncertain and understudied. In the future, all cases of new-onset GPSD should undergo early disease stratification, with their management adapted accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tomelleri
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alwin Sebastian
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Fiona Coath
- Rheumatology Department, Mid and South Essex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-on-sea, UK
| | - Daniel Robbins
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Barbara Pierscionek
- Faculty of Health Education Medicine and Social Care, Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford Campus, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck (ASAA-SABES), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Bruneck, Italy
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eric Matteson
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yannick van Sleen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Rheumatology Department, Mid and South Essex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-on-sea, UK.
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Owen CE, Yates M, Liew DFL, Poon AMT, Keen HI, Hill CL, Mackie SL. Imaging of giant cell arteritis - recent advances. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023; 37:101827. [PMID: 37277245 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2023.101827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Imaging is increasingly being used to guide clinical decision-making in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). While ultrasound has been rapidly adopted in fast-track clinics worldwide as an alternative to temporal artery biopsy for the diagnosis of cranial disease, whole-body PET/CT is emerging as a potential gold standard test for establishing large vessel involvement. However, many unanswered questions remain about the optimal approach to imaging in GCA. For example, it is uncertain how best to monitor disease activity, given there is frequent discordance between imaging findings and conventional disease activity measures, and imaging changes typically fail to resolve completely with treatment. This chapter addresses the current body of evidence for the use of imaging modalities in GCA across the spectrum of diagnosis, monitoring disease activity, and long-term surveillance for structural changes of aortic dilatation and aneurysm formation and provides suggestions for future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Owen
- Department of Rheumatology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Max Yates
- Department of Rheumatology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, United Kingdom; Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - David F L Liew
- Department of Rheumatology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aurora M T Poon
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen I Keen
- Department of Rheumatology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine L Hill
- Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah L Mackie
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; NIHR-Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom
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Nakajima E, Moon FH, Junior NC, Macedo CR, de Souza AWS, Iared W. Accuracy of Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Adv Rheumatol 2023; 63:5. [PMID: 36755336 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-023-00286-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary systemic vasculitis in people 50 years of age and over, and it is considered a medical emergency due to the potential risk of permanent visual loss. Color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) of the temporal arteries is a rapid, noninvasive method to diagnose GCA. This study aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the halo sign in temporal arteries by CDU in people with suspected GCA. METHODS The systematic literature review included the search for publications in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, LILACS, WHO ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov, gray literature up to December 2022, and no date or language restrictions were applied. We analyzed studies including patients over 50 years of age with suspected GCA evaluating CDU of temporal arteries as a diagnostic tool against clinical diagnosis as a standard reference. Paper titles and abstracts were selected by two investigators independently for all available records. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool (QUADAS-2) and the R software (version 4.2.1) was used for data analysis. The protocol of this review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016033079). RESULTS Twenty-two studies including 2893 participants with suspected GCA who underwent temporal artery CDU were evaluated. The primary analysis results showed a sensitivity of 0.76 [95% confidence interval (95 CI) 0.69-0.81] and specificity of 0.93 (95 CI 0.89-0.95) when the halo sign was compared to clinical diagnosis. The sensitivity value of 0.84 (95 CI 0.72-0.92) and specificity of 0.95 (95 CI 0.88-0.98) were found in five studies involving 1037 participants that analyzed the halo sign and temporal artery compression sign. A sensitivity of 0.86 (95 CI 0.78-0.91) and specificity of 0.95 (95 CI 0.89-0.98) were found in four studies with 603 participants where the halo sign was evaluated CDU on temporal and axillary arteries. CONCLUSION The detection of the halo sign by CDU of temporal arteries has good accuracy for the diagnosis of cranial GCA. The compression sign in temporal arteries and the addition of axillary arteries assessment improves the diagnostic performance of CDU for GCA. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42016046860.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Nakajima
- Department of Evidence-Based Health, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 865, São Paulo, 04024-002, Brazil.,Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Rua Borges Lagoa, 754, Sao Paulo, 04038-002, Brazil
| | - Francisca Hatta Moon
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Rua Borges Lagoa, 754, Sao Paulo, 04038-002, Brazil
| | - Nelson Carvas Junior
- Department of Evidence-Based Health, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 865, São Paulo, 04024-002, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Rufino Macedo
- Department of Evidence-Based Health, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 865, São Paulo, 04024-002, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Wagner Silva de Souza
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua dos Otonis, 863, São Paulo, SP, 04025-002, Brazil.
| | - Wagner Iared
- Department of Evidence-Based Health, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 865, São Paulo, 04024-002, Brazil
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Szekeres D, Al Othman B. Current developments in the diagnosis and treatment of giant cell arteritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1066503. [PMID: 36582285 PMCID: PMC9792614 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1066503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis is the most common vasculitis in adults above 50 years old. The disease is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of medium and large arteries, particularly the temporal artery, and is associated acutely with headache, claudication, and visual disturbances. Diagnosis of the disease is often complicated by its protean presentation and lack of consistently reliable testing. The utility of color doppler ultrasound at the point-of-care and FDG-PET in longitudinal evaluation remain under continued investigation. Novel techniques for risk assessment with Halo scoring and stratification through axillary vessel ultrasound are becoming commonplace. Moreover, the recent introduction of the biologic tocilizumab marks a paradigm shift toward using glucocorticoid-sparing strategies as the primary treatment modality. Notwithstanding these developments, patients continue to have substantial rates of relapse and biologic agents have their own side effect profile. Trials are underway to answer questions about optimal diagnostic modality, regiment choice, and duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denes Szekeres
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Bayan Al Othman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Bayan Al Othman,
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Kirby C, Flood R, Mullan R, Murphy G, Kane D. Evolution of ultrasound in giant cell arteritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:981659. [PMID: 36262280 PMCID: PMC9574015 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.981659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) is being increasingly used to diagnose Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). The traditional diagnostic Gold Standard has been temporal artery biopsy (TAB), but this is expensive, invasive, has a false-negative rate as high as 60% and has little impact on clinical decision-making. A non-compressible halo with a thickened intima-media complex (IMC) is the sonographic hallmark of GCA. The superficial temporal arteries (STA) and axillary arteries (AA) are the most consistently inflamed arteries sonographically and imaging protocols for evaluating suspected GCA should include at least these two arterial territories. Studies evaluating temporal artery ultrasound (TAUS) have varied considerably in size and methodology with results showing wide discrepancies in sensitivity (9–100%), specificity (66–100%), positive predictive value (36–100%) and negative predictive value (33–100%). Bilateral halos increase sensitivity as does the incorporation of pre-test probability, while prior corticosteroid use decreases sensitivity. Quantifying sonographic vasculitis using Halo Counts and Halo Scores can predict disease extent/severity, risk of specific complications and likelihood of treatment response. Regression of the Halo sign has been observed from as little as 2 days to as late as 7 months after initiation of immunosuppressive treatment and occurs at different rates in STAs than AAs. US is more sensitive than TAB and has comparable sensitivity to MRI and PET/CT. It is time-efficient, cost-effective and allows for the implementation of fast-track GCA clinics which substantially mitigate the risk of irreversible blindness. Algorithms incorporating combinations of imaging modalities can achieve a 100% sensitivity and specificity for a diagnosis of GCA. US should be a standard first line investigation in routine clinical care of patients with suspected GCA with TAB reserved only for those having had a normal US in the context of a high pre-test probability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm Kirby
- Department of Rheumatology, Tallaght University Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,Department of Rheumatology, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,*Correspondence: Colm Kirby
| | - Rachael Flood
- Department of Rheumatology, Tallaght University Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ronan Mullan
- Department of Rheumatology, Tallaght University Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grainne Murphy
- Department of Rheumatology, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - David Kane
- Department of Rheumatology, Tallaght University Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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11
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Beketova TV. Non-infectious diseases of the aorta and large arteries. TERAPEVT ARKH 2022; 94:695-703. [DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2022.05.201500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This article describes the various forms of inflammatory lesions of the aorta and large arteries, including chronic periaortitis, as well as the diagnostic methods are considered. Large vessel vasculitis represent the most common entities, however, there is also an association with other rheumatological or inflammatory diseases, drug-induced or paraneoplastic entities. Instrumental imaging modalities play an important role in the diagnosis.
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12
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Dentel A, Clavel G, Savatovsky J, Vignal C, Senè T, Charbonneau F, Zuber K, Lecler A, Hage R. Use of Retinal Angiography and MRI in the Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis With Early Ophthalmic Manifestations. J Neuroophthalmol 2022; 42:218-225. [PMID: 35051984 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a vasculitis often revealed by visual signs. Diagnosis is challenging and urgent. Retinal angiography (RA) and MRI allow effective diagnosis. We compared those and proposed an imaging-based approach to diagnose GCA in ophthalmological practice. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study based on the data collected from patients suspected to have GCA on ophthalmological findings. Fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine green (ICG) RAs and MRI were performed and compared with final diagnosis. RESULTS Among the 41 patients included, 25 were diagnosed with GCA. Sensitivities and specificities of FA and ICG were not different. MRI showed a higher sensitivity and specificity. The approach consisting in performing RA followed by MRI provided a better accuracy. CONCLUSION Our study shows that RA can be supplemented by MRI in a specialized center to provide the most accurate diagnosis in GCA revealed by visual signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Dentel
- Department of Ophthalmology (AD, CV, RH), Foundation Adolphe de Rothschild Hospital, Paris, France; Department of Internal Medicine (GC, TS), Foundation Adolphe de Rothschild Hospital, Paris, France; Department of Neuroradiology (JS, FC, AL), Foundation Adolphe de Rothschild Hospital, Paris, France ; and Department of Clinical Research (KZ), Foundation Adolphe de Rothschild Hospital, Paris, France
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13
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Nagarajah R, Gupta R, Kumar S. Diagnostic use of ultrasound in giant cell arteritis in Counties Manukau district health board, New Zealand. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2022; 6:rkac040. [PMID: 35663155 PMCID: PMC9154064 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives A retrospective observational study was undertaken to assess the diagnostic performance (sensitivity and specificity) of colour duplex ultrasound (CDUS) compared with temporal artery biopsy (TAB) for the diagnosis of GCA in the Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB), New Zealand using clinical diagnosis as the reference standard. Methods The study population included patients with clinically suspected GCA who were referred to Middlemore Hospital and underwent CDUS, TAB or both between January 2019 and December 2020. Results Sixty-nine patients were included in the study. Sixty-one percent were >75 years of age, with no cases <50 years of age and a female predominance of 71%. The sensitivity of CDUS was 26% (95% CI 10, 48) and specificity was 97% (95% CI 84, 100). The sensitivity of TAB was 57% (95% CI 34, 77) and specificity was 100%. CDUS had a positive predictive value of 86% (95% CI 42, 99) and a negative predictive value of 65% (95% CI 49, 78). Conclusion A positive CDUS in patients with a high risk for GCA may preclude the need for TAB due to the high specificity of CDUS in GCA. In contrast, patients with a high risk for GCA with a negative CDUS may still need TAB to confirm or exclude GCA. The duration from commencement of steroids to the time of CDUS is crucial in confirming GCA and, for this, shortening the waiting time in the CMDHB would be necessary to ensure adequate test performance in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rathan Nagarajah
- Department of Internal medicine, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rajiv Gupta
- Department of Rheumatology, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Rheumatology, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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Pinnell J, Tiivas C, Mehta P, Dubey S. Corticosteroids reduce vascular ultrasound sensitivity in fast- track pathways (FTP): results from Coventry Multi-Disciplinary FTP for cranial Giant Cell Arteritis. Scand J Rheumatol 2022; 52:283-292. [PMID: 35442157 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2022.2051279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the feasibility of the Coventry multidisciplinary fast-track cranial giant cell arteritis (FTGCA) pathway, which was set up in 2013 in collaboration with vascular physiology and ophthalmology to enable prompt multidisciplinary assessment, including ultrasound (US). This study also looks at the impact of prior corticosteroid (CS) use on the performance of US in real life. METHOD Data were collected retrospectively for patients who attended the Coventry FTGCA pathway between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2017. Patients were identified from US lists and clinical details were obtained from electronic medical records. RESULTS In total, 620 eligible patients were included in this study. US had a sensitivity of 50%, which improved to nearly 56% in CS-naïve patients. The median duration of CS use prior to US was 2 days, and sensitivity was around 46% in this group. The specificity of US was > 96%, and CS use was avoided completely in 345 patients (56%). CSs negatively impacted on the utility of US, with US more likely to be false negative. CONCLUSIONS This novel multidisciplinary pathway demonstrates excellent feasibility and minimizes the use of CSs in patients without giant cell arteritis. US was performed promptly, was cost effective- and had reassuring real-life sensitivity and specificity in this cohort, with excellent patient feedback. CS-naïve patients showed higher sensitivity for US despite the short duration of CS use.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pinnell
- Deptartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK.,Department of Rheumatology Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - C Tiivas
- Department of Clinical Physics and Bioengineering, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - P Mehta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - S Dubey
- Deptartment of Rheumatology, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK.,Department of Rheumatology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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15
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El Chami S, Springer JM. Update on the Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2022; 48:493-506. [PMID: 35400374 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are considered 2 diseases on the same spectrum due to their many underlying similarities. In recent years, both diseases have witnessed both diagnostic and treatment advances, which shaped the way we manage them. In this article, the authors focus on different diagnostic modalities in GCA as well as the presence of different clinical phenotypes and the role of screening for aortic involvement. The authors also discuss traditional treatments and the role of evolving steroid-sparing agents in the management of both GCA and PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah El Chami
- The University of Kansas Health System, 4000 Cambridge Street, MS 2026, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Jason M Springer
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center 1161 21st Avenue South, T-3113 Medical Center North Nashville, TN 37232-2681, USA.
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Validity of high resolution magnetic resonance imaging in detecting giant cell arteritis: a meta-analysis. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:3541-3552. [PMID: 35015125 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08413-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was designed to evaluate the performance of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) in detecting giant cell arteritis (GCA), evaluate superficial extracranial artery and other MRI abnormalities, and compare three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) techniques. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were screened up to March 7, 2021, and further selection was performed according to the eligibility criteria. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 was used for quality assessment, and heterogeneity assessment and statistical calculations were also performed. RESULTS In total, 1851 records were retrieved from online databases, and 15 studies were finally included. Regarding the performance of HR-MRI, the superficial extracranial artery had 75% sensitivity and 89% specificity, respectively, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.91. Positive and negative post-test possibilities were 86% and 20%, respectively, with clinical diagnosis as reference. When referenced with temporal artery biopsy, the sensitivity was 91%, specificity was 78%, AUC was 0.92, and positive and negative post-test possibilities were 78% and 10%, respectively. 3D HR-MRI and 2D HR-MRI had 70% and 72% sensitivity, respectively, and 91% and 84% specificity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS HR-MRI is a valuable imaging modality for GCA diagnosis. It provided high accuracy in the diagnosis of GCA and played a potential role in identifying GCA-related ischemic optic neuropathy. 3D HR-MRI had better specificity than 2D HR-MRI. KEY POINTS HR-MRI helps clinicians to diagnose GCA. Superficial extracranial arteries and other MRI abnormalities can be assessed with HR-MRI. HR-MRI can help in assessing GCA-related optic neuropathy.
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Besutti G, Muratore F, Mancuso P, Ferrari M, Galli E, Spaggiari L, Monelli F, Casali M, Versari A, Boiardi L, Marvisi C, Ligabue G, Pattacini P, Giorgi Rossi P, Salvarani C. Vessel inflammation and morphological changes in patients with large vessel vasculitis: a retrospective study. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2021-001977. [PMID: 34987095 PMCID: PMC8734042 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2021-001977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to identify any association between imaging signs of vessel wall inflammation (positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) score and CT/MR wall thickening) and synchronous and subsequent vascular damage (stenoses/dilations) in patients with large vessel vasculitis (LVV). METHODS Consecutive patients with LVV referred to a tertiary centre in 2007-2020 with baseline PET-CT and morphological imaging (CT/MR angiography) performed within 3 months were included. All available PET-CT and CT/MR scans were reviewed to assess PET-CT uptake (4-point semi-quantitative score), wall thickening, stenoses and dilations for 15 vascular segments. The associations of baseline PET score and CT/MR wall thickening with synchronous and incident stenoses/dilations at CT/MR performed 6-30 months from baseline were evaluated in per-segment and per-patient analyses. Respective areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated. RESULTS We included 100 patients with LVV (median age: 48 years, 22% males). Baseline PET score and wall thickening were strongly associated (Cuzick non-parametric test for trend across order groups (NPtrend) <0.001). The association with synchronous stenoses/dilations was weak for PET score (NPtrend=0.01) and strong for wall thickening (p<0.001). In per-patient analyses, sensitivity/specificity for ≥1 synchronous stenoses/dilations were 44%/67% for PET score ≥2 and 66.7%/60.5% for wall thickening. Subsequent CTs/MRs were available in 28 patients, with seven incident stenoses/dilations. Baseline PET score was strongly associated with incident stenoses/dilations (p=0.001), while baseline wall thickening was not (p=0.708), with AUCs for incident stenoses/dilations of 0.80 for PET score and 0.52 for wall thickening. CONCLUSION PET score and wall thickening are strongly associated, but only baseline PET score is a good predictor of incident vessel wall damage in LVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Besutti
- Department of Radiology, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesco Muratore
- Unit of Rheumatology, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Pamela Mancuso
- Department of Epidemiology, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marco Ferrari
- Department of Radiology, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elena Galli
- Unit of Rheumatology, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Unit of Rheumatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucia Spaggiari
- Department of Radiology, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Filippo Monelli
- Department of Radiology, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Casali
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Annibale Versari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Luigi Boiardi
- Unit of Rheumatology, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Chiara Marvisi
- Unit of Rheumatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Guido Ligabue
- Department of Radiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Pattacini
- Department of Radiology, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Paolo Giorgi Rossi
- Department of Epidemiology, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Unit of Rheumatology, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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18
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Zarka F, Rhéaume M, Belhocine M, Goulet M, Febrer G, Mansour AM, Troyanov Y, Starnino T, Meunier RS, Chagnon I, Routhier N, Bénard V, Ducharme-Bénard S, Ross C, Makhzoum JP. Colour Doppler ultrasound and the giant cell arteritis probability score for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a Canadian single-centre experience. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2021; 5:rkab083. [PMID: 34859177 PMCID: PMC8633428 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkab083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim was to compare the accuracy of colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and temporal artery biopsy (TAB) to establish the final diagnosis of GCA and to determine how the GCA probability score (GCAPS) performs as a risk stratification tool. Methods Descriptive statistics were performed on a retrospective cohort of patients referred to our vasculitis referral centre between 1 July 2017 and 1 October 2020 for suspected GCA. CDUS, TAB, centre-specific TAB (vasculitis centre vs referring hospitals) and GCAPS were compared against the final diagnosis of GCA as determined by a GCA expert; CDUS was also compared with TAB results. Results Data from 198 patients were included: 60 patients with GCA and 138 patients without GCA. Sixty-two patients had a TAB. Using the final diagnosis by a GCA expert as a reference, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 93.3%, 98.5%, 96.6% and 97.1% for CDUS and 69.2%, 100%, 100% and 81.8% for TAB, respectively. The false-negative rate was 6.7% for CDUS and 30.8% for TAB. False-negative TAB mostly occurred when performed in referring hospitals (57.1%) as opposed to our vasculitis centre (21.1%). With a cut-off at 9.5 points, sensitivity for GCAPS was 98.3% and specificity 74.3%. Conclusion CDUS of the temporal and axillary arteries showed a high sensitivity and specificity and helped to diagnose GCA in patients with negative TAB. We validated that GCAPS is a useful clinical tool, with a score of <9.5 making the diagnosis of GCA improbable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yves Troyanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tara Starnino
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Jianu DC, Jianu SN, Dan TF, Munteanu G, Bîrdac CD, Motoc AGM, Docu Axelerad A, Petrica L, Gogu AE. Ultrasound Technologies and the Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121801. [PMID: 34944617 PMCID: PMC8698303 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a primary autoimmune vasculitis that specifically affects medium-sized extracranial arteries, like superficial temporal arteries (TAs). The most important data to be considered for the ultrasound (US) diagnosis of temporal arteritis are stenosis, acute occlusions and “dark halo” sign, which represent the edema of the vascular wall. The vessel wall thickening of large vessels in GCA can be recognized by the US, which has high sensitivity and is facile to use. Ocular complications of GCA are common and consist especially of anterior arterial ischemic optic neuropathies or central retinal artery occlusion with sudden, painless, and sharp loss of vision in the affected eye. Color Doppler imaging of the orbital vessels (showing low-end diastolic velocities and a high resistance index) is essential to quickly differentiate the mechanism of ocular involvement (arteritic versus non-arteritic), since the characteristics of TAs on US do not correspond with ocular involvement on GCA. GCA should be cured immediately with systemic corticosteroids to avoid further visual loss of the eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragoș Cătălin Jianu
- Department of Neurosciences-Division of Neurology, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.J.); (A.E.G.)
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), Department of Neurosciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (C.D.B.); (A.G.M.M.); (A.D.A.); (L.P.)
- First Department of Neurology, Pius Brânzeu Emergency County Hospital, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Silviana Nina Jianu
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Molecular Research in Nephrology and Vascular Pathology, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Traian Flavius Dan
- Department of Neurosciences-Division of Neurology, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.J.); (A.E.G.)
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), Department of Neurosciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (C.D.B.); (A.G.M.M.); (A.D.A.); (L.P.)
- First Department of Neurology, Pius Brânzeu Emergency County Hospital, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (T.F.D.); (G.M.); Tel.: +40-745035178 (T.F.D.); +40-746151426 (G.M.)
| | - Georgiana Munteanu
- Department of Neurosciences-Division of Neurology, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.J.); (A.E.G.)
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), Department of Neurosciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (C.D.B.); (A.G.M.M.); (A.D.A.); (L.P.)
- First Department of Neurology, Pius Brânzeu Emergency County Hospital, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Molecular Research in Nephrology and Vascular Pathology, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (T.F.D.); (G.M.); Tel.: +40-745035178 (T.F.D.); +40-746151426 (G.M.)
| | - Claudiu Dumitru Bîrdac
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), Department of Neurosciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (C.D.B.); (A.G.M.M.); (A.D.A.); (L.P.)
- First Department of Neurology, Pius Brânzeu Emergency County Hospital, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Andrei Gheorghe Marius Motoc
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), Department of Neurosciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (C.D.B.); (A.G.M.M.); (A.D.A.); (L.P.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Any Docu Axelerad
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), Department of Neurosciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (C.D.B.); (A.G.M.M.); (A.D.A.); (L.P.)
- Department of Neurology, General Medicine Faculty, Ovidius University, 900527 Constanța, Romania
| | - Ligia Petrica
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), Department of Neurosciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (C.D.B.); (A.G.M.M.); (A.D.A.); (L.P.)
- Department of Internal Medicine II-Division of Nephrology, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Anca Elena Gogu
- Department of Neurosciences-Division of Neurology, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.J.); (A.E.G.)
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), Department of Neurosciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (C.D.B.); (A.G.M.M.); (A.D.A.); (L.P.)
- First Department of Neurology, Pius Brânzeu Emergency County Hospital, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
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Junek M, Hu A, Garner S, Rebello R, Legault K, Beattie K, Khalidi N. Contextualizing temporal arterial magnetic resonance angiography in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a retrospective cohort study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:4229-4237. [PMID: 33404650 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Imaging modalities have become common in evaluating patients for a possible diagnosis of GCA. This study seeks to contextualize how temporal arterial magnetic resonance angiography (TA-MRA) can be used in facilitating the diagnosis of GCA. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who had been previously referred to a rheumatologist for evaluation of possible GCA in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Data including clinical features, inflammatory markers, imaging, and biopsy results were extracted. Multivariable logistic regression model to predict the diagnosis of GCA. Using these models, the utility of TA-MRA in series with or in parallel to clinical evaluation was demonstrated across the cohort as well as in subgroups defined by biopsy and imaging status. RESULTS In total 268 patients had complete data. Those diagnosed with biopsy- and/or imaging-positive GCA were more likely to demonstrate classic features including jaw claudication and vision loss. Clinical multivariable modelling allowed for fair discriminability [receiver operating characteristic (ROC) 0.759, 95% CI: 0.703, 0.815] for diagnosing GCA; there was excellent discriminability in facilitating the diagnosis of biopsy-positive GCA (ROC 0.949, 0.898-1.000). When used in those with a pre-test probability of 50% or higher, TA-MRA had a positive predictive value of 93.0%; in those with a pre-test probability of 25% or less TA-MRA had a negative predictive value of 89.5%. CONCLUSION In those with high disease probability, TA-MRA can effectively rule in disease (and replace temporal artery biopsy). In those with low to medium probability, TA-MRA can help rule out the disease, but this continues to be a challenging diagnostic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Junek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, McMaster University, Hamilton
| | - Angela Hu
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto
| | - Stephanie Garner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, McMaster University, Hamilton
| | - Ryan Rebello
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kim Legault
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, McMaster University, Hamilton
| | - Karen Beattie
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, McMaster University, Hamilton
| | - Nader Khalidi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, McMaster University, Hamilton
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Andel PM, Chrysidis S, Geiger J, Haaversen A, Haugeberg G, Myklebust G, Nielsen BD, Diamantopoulos A. Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis: A Comprehensive Practical Guide for the Practicing Rheumatologist. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:4958-4971. [PMID: 34255830 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common large vessel vasculitis in the elderly population. In recent years, advanced imaging has changed the way GCA can be diagnosed in many locations. The GCA fast-track clinic (FTC) approach combined with ultrasound (US) examination allows prompt treatment and diagnosis with high certainty. FTCs have been shown to improve prognosis while being cost effective. However, all diagnostic modalities are highly operator dependent, and in many locations expertise in advanced imaging may not be available. In this paper, we review the current evidence on GCA diagnostics and propose a simple algorithm for diagnosing GCA for use by rheumatologists not working in specialist centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Andel
- Department of Cardiology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Grålum, Norway.,Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Southern Norway, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Stavros Chrysidis
- Department of Rheumatology, Southwest Jutland Hospital Esbjerg, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Julia Geiger
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anne Haaversen
- Department of Rheumatology, Martina Hansens Hospital, Bærum, Norway
| | - Glenn Haugeberg
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Southern Norway, Kristiansand, Norway.,Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Geirmund Myklebust
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Southern Norway, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Berit D Nielsen
- Department of Medicine, The Regional Hospital in Horsens, Horsens, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Diamantopoulos
- Department of Rheumatology, Martina Hansens Hospital, Bærum, Norway.,Division of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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22
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Dua AB, Husainat NM, Kalot MA, Byram K, Springer JM, James KE, Chang Lin Y, Turgunbaev M, Villa-Forte A, Abril A, Langford C, Maz M, Chung SA, Mustafa RA. Giant Cell Arteritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Test Accuracy and Benefits and Harms of Common Treatments. ACR Open Rheumatol 2021; 3:429-441. [PMID: 33811481 PMCID: PMC8280815 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review compares treatment options for patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and evaluates the test accuracy of studies used in diagnosing and monitoring GCA. These studies were used to inform evidence-based recommendations for the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Vasculitis Foundation (VF) vasculitis management guidelines. A systematic review and search of articles in English in Ovid Medline, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Articles were screened for suitability, and studies presenting the highest level of evidence were given preference. Three hundred ninety-nine full-text articles addressing GCA questions were reviewed to inform 27 Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome questions. No benefit was found with intravenous glucocorticoids (GCs) compared with high-dose oral GCs in patients with cranial ischemic symptoms (27.4% vs 12.3%; odds ratio [OR] 2.39 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75-7.62], [very low certainty of evidence]). Weekly tocilizumab with a 26-week GC taper was superior to a 52-week GC taper in patients achieving remission (risk ratio 4.00 [95% CI 1.97-8.12], [low certainty of evidence]). Non-GC immunosuppressive therapies with GCs compared with GCs alone showed no statistically significant in relapse at 1 year (OR 0.87 [95% CI 0.73-1.04], [moderate certainty of evidence]) or serious adverse events (OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.54-1.20]; [moderate certainty of evidence]). Temporal artery biopsy has a sensitivity of 61% (95% CI 38%-79%) and a specificity of 98% (95% CI 95%-99%) in patients with a clinical diagnosis of suspected GCA. This comprehensive systematic review synthesizes and evaluates the benefits and harms of different treatment options and the accuracy of commonly used tests for the diagnosis and monitoring of GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha B Dua
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | - Kevin Byram
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mehrdad Maz
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City
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El Chami S, Springer JM. Update on the Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Med Clin North Am 2021; 105:311-324. [PMID: 33589105 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are considered 2 diseases on the same spectrum due to their many underlying similarities. In recent years, both diseases have witnessed both diagnostic and treatment advances, which shaped the way we manage them. In this article, the authors focus on different diagnostic modalities in GCA as well as the presence of different clinical phenotypes and the role of screening for aortic involvement. The authors also discuss traditional treatments and the role of evolving steroid-sparing agents in the management of both GCA and PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah El Chami
- The University of Kansas Health System, 4000 Cambridge Street, MS 2026, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Jason M Springer
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center 1161 21st Avenue South, T-3113 Medical Center North Nashville, TN 37232-2681, USA.
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Clinical, Laboratory and Ultrasonographic Interrelations in Giant Cell Arteritis. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2021; 30:105601. [PMID: 33497936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.105601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) is based on the presence of clinical and laboratory features. Color-duplex sonography (CDS) may supplant the limited sensitivity of temporal artery biopsy. The aim of our work was to characterize clinical and laboratory findings in patients with positive CDS for GCA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective study of all consecutive patients of our center fulfilling American College of Rheumatology criteria for GCA who performed CDS study between 2009-2019. Data on clinical and laboratory features were compared in two groups: with and without halo sign. RESULTS Ninety-one patients were included. Temporal halo sign was identified in 46% of patients. Halo sign was more often present in older patients (77 ± 8 vs 73 ± 8 years, p = 0.022), associated with systemic features (58% vs 42%, p = 0.011), higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (84 ± 26 vs 74 ± 34 mm/hour, p = 0.020), and lower hemoglobin values (10.9 ± 1.5 vs 12.1 ± 1.6 g/dL, p < 0.001). The number of patients under corticosteroids before CDS was higher in the group without halo (62% vs 33%, p = 0.005). Ischemic stroke occurred in 17 patients (19%), 76% in the vertebrobasilar territory, and stroke was associated with vertebral halo sign (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Halo sign was present in half of our patients. Previous corticosteroids treatment decreased positive CDS findings. Systemic symptoms and laboratory findings are more notorious in halo sign subgroup of patients. Stroke cases in GCA patients disproportionally affected the posterior circulation. Ultrasonography provides information about a more pronounced systemic involvement and a higher risk of major complications.
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25
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van der Geest KSM, Sandovici M, Brouwer E, Mackie SL. Diagnostic Accuracy of Symptoms, Physical Signs, and Laboratory Tests for Giant Cell Arteritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med 2020; 180:1295-1304. [PMID: 32804186 PMCID: PMC7432275 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.3050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Importance Current clinical guidelines recommend selecting diagnostic tests for giant cell arteritis (GCA) based on pretest probability that the disease is present, but how pretest probability should be estimated remains unclear. Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of symptoms, physical signs, and laboratory tests for suspected GCA. Data Sources PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from November 1940 through April 5, 2020. Study Selection Trials and observational studies describing patients with suspected GCA, using an appropriate reference standard for GCA (temporal artery biopsy, imaging test, or clinical diagnosis), and with available data for at least 1 symptom, physical sign, or laboratory test. Data Extraction and Synthesis Screening, full text review, quality assessment, and data extraction by 2 investigators. Diagnostic test meta-analysis used a bivariate model. Main Outcome(s) and Measures Diagnostic accuracy parameters, including positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs). Results In 68 unique studies (14 037 unique patients with suspected GCA; of 7798 patients with sex reported, 5193 were women [66.6%]), findings associated with a diagnosis of GCA included limb claudication (positive LR, 6.01; 95% CI, 1.38-26.16), jaw claudication (positive LR, 4.90; 95% CI, 3.74-6.41), temporal artery thickening (positive LR, 4.70; 95% CI, 2.65-8.33), temporal artery loss of pulse (positive LR, 3.25; 95% CI, 2.49-4.23), platelet count of greater than 400 × 103/μL (positive LR, 3.75; 95% CI, 2.12-6.64), temporal tenderness (positive LR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.14-8.65), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate greater than 100 mm/h (positive LR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.43-6.78). Findings that were associated with absence of GCA included the absence of erythrocyte sedimentation rate of greater than 40 mm/h (negative LR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.08-0.44), absence of C-reactive protein level of 2.5 mg/dL or more (negative LR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.25-0.59), and absence of age over 70 years (negative LR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.27-0.86). Conclusions and Relevance This study identifies the clinical and laboratory features that are most informative for a diagnosis of GCA, although no single feature was strong enough to confirm or refute the diagnosis if taken alone. Combinations of these symptoms might help direct further investigation, such as vascular imaging, temporal artery biopsy, or seeking evaluation for alternative diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelis S. M. van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Sandovici
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah L. Mackie
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS (National Health Service) Trust, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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26
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Sebastian A, van der Geest KSM, Coath F, Gondo P, Kayani A, Mackerness C, Hadebe B, Innes S, Jackson J, Dasgupta B. Halo score (temporal artery, its branches and axillary artery) as a diagnostic, prognostic and disease monitoring tool for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). BMC Rheumatol 2020; 4:35. [PMID: 32821876 PMCID: PMC7433165 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-020-00136-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a common large vessel vasculitis of the elderly, often associated with sight loss. Glucocorticoids (GC remain the mainstay of treatment, although biologic treatments have been approved. Biomarkers predicting disease severity, relapse rates and damage are lacking in GCA.EULAR recommends ultrasound (US) as the first investigation for suspected GCA. The cardinal US finding, a non-compressible halo, is currently categorised as either negative or positive. However, the extent and severity of this finding may vary.In this study, we hypothesise whether the extent and severity of the halo sign [calculated as a single composite Halo score (HS)] of temporal and axillary arteries may be of diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring importance; whether baseline HS is linked to disease outcomes, relapses and damage; whether HS can stratify GCA patients for individual treatment needs; whether HS can function as an objective monitoring tool during follow up. METHODS This is a prospective, observational study. Suspected GCA Participants will be selected from the GCA FTC at the participating centres in the UK. Informed consent will be obtained, and patients managed as part of standard care. Patients with GCA will have HS (temporal and axillary arteries) measured at baseline and months 1,3,6 and 12 long with routine clinical assessments, blood sampling and patient-reported outcomes (EQ5D). Non-GCA patients will be discharged back to the referral team and will have a telephone interview in 6 months.We aim to recruit 272 suspected GCA referrals which should yield 68 patients (25% of referrals) with confirmed GCA. The recruitment will be completed in 1 year with an estimated total study period of 24 months. DISCUSSION The identification of prognostic factors in GCA is both timely and needed. A prognostic marker, such as the HS, could help to stratify GCA patients for an appropriate treatment regimen. Tocilizumab, an IL-6R blocking agent, switches off the acute phase response (C-Reactive Protein), making it difficult to measure the disease activity. Therefore, an independent HS, and changes in that score during treatment and follow-up, maybe a more objective measure of response compare to patient-reported symptoms and clinical assessment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alwin Sebastian
- Rheumatology, Mid and South Essex University Hospital Groups, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, UK
- University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Kornelis S. M. van der Geest
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fiona Coath
- Norfolk and Norwich University hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Colney Ln, Norwich, UK
| | - Prisca Gondo
- R&D, Mid and South Essex University Hospital Groups, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, UK
| | - Abdul Kayani
- Rheumatology, Mid and South Essex University Hospital Groups, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, UK
| | - Craig Mackerness
- R&D, Mid and South Essex University Hospital Groups, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, UK
| | - Bernard Hadebe
- R&D, Mid and South Essex University Hospital Groups, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, UK
| | - Sue Innes
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and exercise sciences, Colchester campus, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Jo Jackson
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and exercise sciences, Colchester campus, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Rheumatology, Mid and South Essex University Hospital Groups, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, UK
- University of Essex, Colchester, UK
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27
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Vasculitides are characterized by mostly autoimmunologically induced inflammatory processes of vascular structures. They have various clinical and radiologic appearances. Early diagnosis and reliable monitoring are indispensable for adequate therapy to prevent potentially serious complications. Imaging, in addition to laboratory tests and physical examination, constitutes a key component in assessing disease extent and activity. This review presents current standards and some typical findings in the context of imaging in vasculitis with particular attention to large vessel vasculitides. Recent Findings Recently, imaging has gained importance in the management of vasculitis, especially regarding large vessel vasculitides (LVV). Recently, EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) has launched its recommendations concerning the diagnosis of LVVs. Imaging is recommended as the preferred complement to clinical examination. Color-coded duplex sonography is considered the first choice imaging test in suspected giant cell arteritis, and magnetic resonance imaging is considered the first choice in suspected Takayasu’s arteritis. Summary Due to diversity of clinical and radiologic presentations, diagnosis and therapy monitoring of vasculitides may constitute a challenge. As a result of ongoing technological progress, a variety of non-invasive imaging modalities now play an elemental role in the interdisciplinary management of vasculitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstanze Viktoria Guggenberger
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Wuerzburg, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Wuerzburg, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Increased diagnostic accuracy of giant cell arteritis using three-dimensional fat-saturated contrast-enhanced vessel-wall magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T. Eur Radiol 2019; 30:1866-1875. [PMID: 31811430 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06536-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the diagnostic accuracy of 3D versus 2D contrast-enhanced vessel-wall (CE-VW) MRI of extracranial and intracranial arteries in the diagnosis of GCA. METHODS This prospective two-center study was approved by a national research ethics board and enrolled participants from December 2014 to October 2017. A protocol including both a 2D and a 3D CE-VW MRI at 3 T was performed in all patients. Two neuroradiologists, blinded to clinical data, individually analyzed separately and in random order 2D and 3D sequences in the axial plane only or with reformatting. The primary judgment criterion was the presence of GCA-related inflammatory changes of extracranial arteries. Secondary judgment criteria included inflammatory changes of intracranial arteries and the presence of artifacts. A McNemar's test was used to compare 2D to 3D CE-VW MRIs. RESULTS Seventy-nine participants were included in the study (42 men and 37 women, mean age 75 (± 9.5 years)). Fifty-one had a final diagnosis of GCA. Reformatted 3D CE-VW was significantly more sensitive than axial-only 3D CE-VW or 2D CE-VW when showing inflammatory change of extracranial arteries: 41/51(80%) versus 37/51 (73%) (p = 0.046) and 35/50 (70%) (p = 0.03). Reformatted 3D CE-VW was significantly more specific than 2D CE-VW: 27/27 (100%) versus 22/26 (85%) (p = 0.04). 3D CE-VW showed higher sensitivity than 2D CE-VW when detecting inflammatory changes of intracranial arteries: 10/51(20%) versus 4/50(8%), p = 0.01. Interobserver agreement was excellent for both 2D and 3D CE-VW MRI: κ = 0.84 and 0.82 respectively. CONCLUSIONS 3D CE-VW MRI supported more accurate diagnoses of GCA than 2D CE-VW. KEY POINTS • 3D contrast-enhanced vessel-wall magnetic resonance imaging is a high accuracy, non-invasive diagnostic tool used to diagnose giant cell arteritis. • 3D contrast-enhanced vessel-wall imaging is feasible for clinicians to complete within a relatively short time, allowing immediate assessment of extra and intracranial arteries. • 3D contrast-enhanced vessel-wall magnetic resonance imaging might be considered a diagnostic tool when intracranial manifestation of GCA is suspected.
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The role of vascular ultrasound in managing giant cell arteritis in ophthalmology. Surv Ophthalmol 2019; 65:218-226. [PMID: 31775013 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis is the most common systemic vasculitis in the elderly and is a potentially life-threatening ophthalmic emergency that can result in irreversible blindness. Blindness is most commonly associated with acute onset, irreversible arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. Without treatment, second eye involvement may occur, resulting in bilateral blindness. Patients with established visual loss are treated with high-dose steroids and generally undergo a temporal artery biopsy to confirm their diagnosis. A significant number of patients are, however, referred for urgent ophthalmology assessment from concerns about "incipient" arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. Before visual loss, patients may experience a range of ocular symptoms related to ischemia. This generally leads to treatment with high-dose systemic steroid and an urgent request for a temporal artery biopsy. Temporal artery biopsy is considered as the standard investigation for confirmatory diagnosis. It is generally arranged as soon as possible, although it is often not carried out for several days, and there may also be delays in histopathological reporting. It is often perceived that the patient is "safe" while on corticosteroids, in that they are being treated to avoid visual loss. What is not acknowledged, however, is that, if patients do not have giant cell arteritis and are being treated "just in case," they will often require a tapering of oral steroids over several weeks, exposing them to unnecessary and significant side effects. In the rheumatology setting, vascular ultrasound has emerged as a safe and reliable alternative to temporal artery biopsy as a point of care diagnostic tool in the management of giant cell arteritis. Given an experienced sonographer and optimal equipment, a rapid diagnosis can be established in a fast-track clinic setting, taking into consideration clinical assessment, scoring, and ultrasound findings. A huge advantage of ultrasound is that it provides immediate information that can be used to inform treatment decisions. We explore the evidence that supports the incorporation of vascular ultrasound into the ophthalmology repertoire to make a more efficient diagnosis that is cost-effective and associated with better patient outcomes, including a potential reduction in loss of sight and avoidance of unnecessary long-term steroid treatment by early exclusion of mimics.
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30
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Blockmans D, Luqmani R, Spaggiari L, Salvarani C. Magnetic resonance angiography versus 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in large vessel vasculitis. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:102405. [PMID: 31648043 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
With advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of large vessel vasculitides, we recognise the persistence of inflammation in large vessels, sometimes despite therapy to control clinical symptoms. Achieving an early diagnosis and establishing the extent of disease are important steps in improving our management of these diseases. Imaging is playing an increasing role in the assessment of these patients from diagnosis to prognosis. We review the current and potential role of two important and potentially complementary imaging techniques of magnetic resonance angiography and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the evaluation of patients with giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Blockmans
- General Internal Medicine, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raashid Luqmani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Lucia Spaggiari
- Department of Radiology, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Rheumatology Division, Universita' di Modena e Reggio Emilia and Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Brkic A, Terslev L, Møller Døhn U, Torp‐Pedersen S, Schmidt WA, Diamantopoulos AP. Clinical Applicability of Ultrasound in Systemic Large Vessel Vasculitides. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019; 71:1780-1787. [DOI: 10.1002/art.41039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alen Brkic
- Stavanger University Hospital Stavanger Norway
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32
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Schmidt WA, Hartung W. [Imaging diagnostics in large vessel vasculitis]. Z Rheumatol 2019; 78:847-858. [PMID: 31541286 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-019-00711-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Imaging procedures have become an important diagnostic tool in vasculitis. In large vessel vasculitides, such as giant-cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) can depict specific abnormalities of the arterial wall. A clinically suspected diagnosis can be confirmed by imaging if performed by a trained specialist using appropriate equipment, without histological investigations. Ultrasound, MRI and CT show a homogeneous, concentric thickening of the arterial wall and PET can detect increased glucose metabolism of the arterial wall. Ultrasound is the method of choice, especially in predominantly cranial GCA. Imaging should be performed before or within the first few days of glucocorticoid treatment as the PET findings of all arteries as well as ultrasound and MRI findings in temporal arteries normalize quickly with treatment. A planned imaging examination must not delay initiation of glucocorticoid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Schmidt
- Rheumaklinik Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 19, 13125, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - W Hartung
- Klinik für Rheumatologie und klinische Immunologie, Asklepios Klinik, Bad Abbach, Deutschland
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Management of difficult polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis: Updates for clinical practice. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2019; 32:803-812. [PMID: 31427056 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) represent a family of systemic inflammatory diseases occurring in adults aged 50 years and above. Clinical presentation of PMR/GCA can be variable, making diagnosis at times challenging. There has been an increased appreciation of the role of various large-vessel imaging modalities to help confirm a diagnosis of GCA. Systemic corticosteroids (CS) remain the mainstay of treatment for both PMR and GCA, yet both relapses and CS-related side effects are common. Recent research has demonstrated efficacy of certain biologic agents in these diseases, with particular emphasis on the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockade in GCA. This chapter discusses the latest updates on the diagnosis and treatment of PMR/GCA, with an emphasis on clinical care.
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González-Gay MÁ, Ortego-Jurado M, Ercole L, Ortego-Centeno N. Giant cell arteritis: is the clinical spectrum of the disease changing? BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:200. [PMID: 31357946 PMCID: PMC6664782 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant cell arteritis is a vasculitis of large and middle-sized arteries that affects patients aged over 50 years. It can show a typical clinical picture consisting of cranial manifestations but sometimes nonspecific symptoms and large-vessel involvement prevail. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential to avoid irreversible damage. DISCUSSION There has been an increasing knowledge on the occurrence of the disease without the typical cranial symptoms and its close relationship and overlap with polymyalgia rheumatica, and this may contribute to reduce the number of underdiagnosed patients. Although temporal artery biopsy is still the gold-standard and temporal artery ultrasonography is being widely used, newer imaging techniques (FDG-PET/TAC, MRI, CT) can be of valuable help to identify giant cell arteritis, in particular in those cases with a predominance of extracranial large-vessel manifestations. CONCLUSIONS Giant cell arteritis is a more heterogeneous condition than previously thought. Awareness of all the potential clinical manifestations and judicious use of diagnostic tests may be an aid to avoid delayed detection and consequently ominous complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á. González-Gay
- Division of Rheumatology and Epidemiology, Genetics and Atherosclerosis Research Group on Systemic Inflammatory Diseases, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla, 39011 Santander, Spain
- University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Norberto Ortego-Centeno
- Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (IBS. GRANADA), Department of Internal Medicine, Professor of Medicine of the University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Rinagel M, Chatelus E, Arnaud L, Jousse-Joulin S. [Contribution of Doppler ultrasound for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis]. Presse Med 2019; 48:941-947. [PMID: 31327543 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is a useful imaging modality for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. Ultrasound of temporal arteries is recommended as the first imaging modality in patients with suspected predominantly cranial giant cell arteritis. The thickening of the arterial wall (halo sign) is the ultrasound finding most suggestive of giant cell arteritis. In patients in whom there is a high clinical suspicion of giant cell arteritis and a halo sign, the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis may be made without temporal artery biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Rinagel
- Centre national de référence des maladies systémiques rares Est Sud-Ouest (RESO), hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, service de rhumatologie, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Emmanuel Chatelus
- Centre national de référence des maladies systémiques rares Est Sud-Ouest (RESO), hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, service de rhumatologie, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurent Arnaud
- Centre national de référence des maladies systémiques rares Est Sud-Ouest (RESO), hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, service de rhumatologie, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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Hellmich B, Agueda A, Monti S, Buttgereit F, de Boysson H, Brouwer E, Cassie R, Cid MC, Dasgupta B, Dejaco C, Hatemi G, Hollinger N, Mahr A, Mollan SP, Mukhtyar C, Ponte C, Salvarani C, Sivakumar R, Tian X, Tomasson G, Turesson C, Schmidt W, Villiger PM, Watts R, Young C, Luqmani RA. 2018 Update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of large vessel vasculitis. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 79:19-30. [PMID: 31270110 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 572] [Impact Index Per Article: 114.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the publication of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of large vessel vasculitis (LVV) in 2009, several relevant randomised clinical trials and cohort analyses have been published, which have the potential to change clinical care and therefore supporting the need to update the original recommendations. METHODS Using EULAR standardised operating procedures for EULAR-endorsed recommendations, the EULAR task force undertook a systematic literature review and sought opinion from 20 experts from 13 countries. We modified existing recommendations and created new recommendations. RESULTS Three overarching principles and 10 recommendations were formulated. We recommend that a suspected diagnosis of LVV should be confirmed by imaging or histology. High dose glucocorticoid therapy (40-60 mg/day prednisone-equivalent) should be initiated immediately for induction of remission in active giant cell arteritis (GCA) or Takayasu arteritis (TAK). We recommend adjunctive therapy in selected patients with GCA (refractory or relapsing disease, presence of an increased risk for glucocorticoid-related adverse events or complications) using tocilizumab. Methotrexate may be used as an alternative. Non-biological glucocorticoid-sparing agents should be given in combination with glucocorticoids in all patients with TAK and biological agents may be used in refractory or relapsing patients. We no longer recommend the routine use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy for treatment of LVV unless it is indicated for other reasons. CONCLUSIONS We have updated the recommendations for the management of LVV to facilitate the translation of current scientific evidence and expert opinion into better management and improved outcome of patients in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Hellmich
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology, Medius Kliniken, University of Tübingen, Kirchheim-Teck, Germany
| | - Ana Agueda
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga E.P.E, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sara Monti
- Rheumatology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hubert de Boysson
- Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Caen, Caen, Basse-Normandie, France
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, UMCG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maria C Cid
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Christian Dejaco
- Rheumatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.,Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck, Bruneck, Italy
| | - Gulen Hatemi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nicole Hollinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology, Medus Klinken, Karl-Albrechts-Universität Tübingen, Kirchheim-Teck, Germany
| | - Alfred Mahr
- Hospital Saint-Louis, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Susan P Mollan
- Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Neurometabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Chetan Mukhtyar
- Rheumatology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Rheumatology, Hospital de Santa Maria - CHLN, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal.,Rheumatology Research Unit; Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Rajappa Sivakumar
- Stroke and Neurocritical Care, GLB Hospitals and Acute Stroke Centers, Chennai, India
| | - Xinping Tian
- Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Carl Turesson
- Department of Rheumatology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Wolfgang Schmidt
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter M Villiger
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology / Allerg, University Hospital (Inselspital), Bern, Switzerland
| | - Richard Watts
- Norwich Medical School, Bob Champion Research and Education Building, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Raashid Ahmed Luqmani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science (NDORMs), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis in clinical practice summary. Radiol Med 2019; 124:965-972. [PMID: 31254221 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-019-01058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Large vessel vasculitis (LVV) is the most common form of primary vasculitis comprising of giant cell arteritis (GCA), Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) and idiopathic aortitis. Early diagnosis and treatment of LVV are paramount to reduce the risk of ischemic complications such as visual loss and strokes, vascular stenosis and occlusion, and aortic aneurysm formation. Use of imaging modalities [ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)] has steadily increased to enable assessment of cranial and extracranial arteries, as well as the aorta. These imaging modalities are less invasive, more sensitive and readily available compared to temporal artery biopsy (TAB). Modern imaging methods have changed the role of TAB in diagnosing GCA and have replaced diagnostic angiography. Over the last two decades, several studies have evaluated the use of US, MRI, CT and PET in LVV. However, these various imaging tools are not yet uniformly used in routine clinical practice and controversy exists as to which imaging modality best provides meaningful assessments of disease activity and damage in LVV. In January 2018, evidence-based recommendations for the use of imaging modalities in LVV were published. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence of imaging in patients with or suspected of having LVV, and to highlight the clinical implications of the EULAR recommendations.
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Zou Q, Ma S, Zhou X. Ultrasound versus temporal artery biopsy in patients with Giant cell arteritis: a prospective cohort study. BMC Med Imaging 2019; 19:47. [PMID: 31170909 PMCID: PMC6554885 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-019-0344-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnosis of giant cell arteritis by temporal artery biopsy is time-consuming and visual loss lies in the first week after its diagnosis. The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that ultrasound can reduce the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment in giant cell arteritis. Methods Data regarding physical/ clinical features examinations, temporal artery biopsy examinations, ultrasound findings, and magnetic resonance imaging examinations of 980 suspected patients for giant cell arteritis were included in the study. Decision curve analysis was applied to get a beneficial score for selected diagnostic modalities. Cost analysis was performed for each patient. Results Fewer numbers of false positive giant cell arteritis results were reported under physical/ clinical features examinations following ultrasound detection than physical/clinical features examinations following temporal artery biopsy examinations (45 vs. 127, p < 0.0001). The working area that detects giant cell arteritis at least one time for physical/ clinical features examinations following ultrasound detection and physical/ clinical features examinations following temporal artery biopsy examinations were 0–91% and 0–86%. No significant difference for true negative results between magnetic resonance imaging and physical and clinical features examinations following ultrasound detection (p = 0.007). Physical and clinical features examinations following ultrasound detection were less expensive method than physical/ clinical features examinations following temporal artery biopsy examinations (14,023 ± 982 ¥/patient vs. 18,551 ± 1231 ¥/patient, p < 0.0001) and MRI. Conclusion Physical and clinical features examinations following ultrasound are recommended for diagnosis of patients with suspected giant cell arteritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zou
- Department of Ultrasound, the first hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Sumei Ma
- Department of Ultrasound, the first hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xinghu Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, the first hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
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Turesson C, Börjesson O, Larsson K, Mohammad AJ, Knight A. Swedish Society of Rheumatology 2018 guidelines for investigation, treatment, and follow-up of giant cell arteritis. Scand J Rheumatol 2019; 48:259-265. [DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2019.1571223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Turesson
- Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - O Börjesson
- Department of Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Larsson
- Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - AJ Mohammad
- Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - A Knight
- Rheumatology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Diagnostic performance of temporal artery ultrasound for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:56-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Schmidt WA. Ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:ii22-ii31. [PMID: 29982780 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
US has become an important diagnostic tool for musculoskeletal diseases. Because of its wide availability in rheumatology practice, US has also been applied in other rheumatic diseases such as GCA. In acute GCA, US displays a non-compressible, hypoechoic, most commonly concentric arterial wall thickening. Temporal and axillary arteries should be examined in patients with suspected GCA and PMR. Additionally, almost all other large arteries, with the exception of the thoracic aorta, can be easily delineated by US. Many studies and several meta-analyses have been conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of US. US is more sensitive than temporal artery biopsy (TAB) because TAB evaluates only a limited anatomical region in a systemic disease. Most US studies arrive at specificities between 90 and 100% compared with the final clinical diagnosis. Reliability for reading US images and videos is excellent and comparable to reliability for reading TAB specimens. The advantage of US over other imaging techniques in GCA is its availability, safety and tolerability and its high resolution of 0.1 mm. Rheumatology departments are increasingly establishing fast-track clinics. Physicians can refer patients with suspected GCA within 24 h. Patients receive clinical and US examination by experienced specialists, establishing a clear diagnosis either before TAB or without the need for TAB. The introduction of fast-track clinics has led to a significant reduction of permanent vision loss. Furthermore, a process that primarily includes US is significantly more cost-effective than TAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
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Halbach C, McClelland CM, Chen J, Li S, Lee MS. Use of Noninvasive Imaging in Giant Cell Arteritis. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2018; 7:260-264. [PMID: 30003767 DOI: 10.22608/apo.2018133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) requires a prompt diagnosis to avoid significant morbidity among the elderly. An accurate diagnosis is also paramount given the side effect profile of long-term corticosteroid treatment. Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) has long remained the gold standard for the diagnosis of GCA but requires an invasive procedure that is not without risk. This article discusses the argument for and against the use of noninvasive imaging including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scanning for the diagnosis of GCA. It also provides a suggested diagnostic algorithm for when to consider noninvasive imaging versus TAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Halbach
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Collin M McClelland
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - John Chen
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Suellen Li
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Michael S Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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A Stab in the Dark: A Case Report of an Atypical Presentation of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Geriatrics (Basel) 2018; 3:geriatrics3030036. [PMID: 31011074 PMCID: PMC6319224 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics3030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Giant cell arteritis/temporal arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory condition that affects large to medium vessels such as the aorta and its primary branches. Patients classically present with fatigue, fever, headache, jaw claudication and in severe cases, may suffer either transient (amaurosis fugax) or permanent visual loss. The reference standard for diagnosis is the temporal artery biopsy (TAB) and the mainstay of treatment is with immunosuppression. Our patient JG, presented with a range of non-specific symptoms that mimicked generalised sepsis, but was ultimately diagnosed with GCA through effective, methodical multi-disciplinary team (MDT) work. Clinical case: JG, an 81 year old gentleman, presented acutely with a 3-4 weeks history of fatigue, lethargy, pyrexia and a marked inflammatory response suggestive of a sepsis but without a clear primary source or clinical features of vasculitis. His inflammatory markers were markedly raised although his erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was not elevated. He was initially treated for sepsis of unknown origin however, body imaging after admission suggested a possible infection around a previous aortic graft site. This was refuted in subsequent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scanning. Microbiological, parasitic, as well as autoimmune assays were unremarkable. He underwent a TAB which was diagnostic for GCA and as a result, was started on oral corticosteroids with immediate symptom relief. He was discharged and followed up on an outpatient basis. Conclusions: This case highlights how a vasculitis can present with a range of non-specific symptoms that may resemble a fever of unknown origin (FUO)/sepsis that can lead to a delay in making the correct diagnosis. It also highlights the importance of considering a diagnosis of vasculitis in patients who present with a FUO where there is no clear focus of infection. Delays in diagnosis and management of these conditions can potentially lead to significant irreversible morbidity.
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González-Gay MA, Pina T, Prieto-Peña D, Calderon-Goercke M, Blanco R, Castañeda S. Current and emerging diagnosis tools and therapeutics for giant cell arteritis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2018; 14:593-605. [DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2018.1485491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. González-Gay
- Division of Rheumatology and Epidemiology, Genetics and Atherosclerosis Research Group on Systemic Inflammatory Diseases, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Trinitario Pina
- Division of Rheumatology and Epidemiology, Genetics and Atherosclerosis Research Group on Systemic Inflammatory Diseases, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Diana Prieto-Peña
- Division of Rheumatology and Epidemiology, Genetics and Atherosclerosis Research Group on Systemic Inflammatory Diseases, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Mónica Calderon-Goercke
- Division of Rheumatology and Epidemiology, Genetics and Atherosclerosis Research Group on Systemic Inflammatory Diseases, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Ricardo Blanco
- Division of Rheumatology and Epidemiology, Genetics and Atherosclerosis Research Group on Systemic Inflammatory Diseases, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Santos Castañeda
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital de La Princesa, IIS-Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
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Fayyaz B. Case report: giant cell arteritis in a patient with carotid atherosclerosis - a diagnostic dilemma. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2018; 8:134-137. [PMID: 29915652 PMCID: PMC5998284 DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2018.1458571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid atherosclerosis and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are two distinct medical conditions with an overlapping clinical spectrum of vascular symptoms such as vision loss and ischemic stroke. This is because both diseases cause arterial ischemia with a predilection for carotid vasculature. In addition, high-vascular risk individuals who are diagnosed with GCA are usually elderly with age >55 years with high-vascular risk and thus can have underlying atherosclerosis. All these factors can pose a diagnostic dilemma for the physicians as GCA is a medical emergency which if left untreated can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Thus, it is important to avoid attributing occlusive arterial disease in elderly patients to atherosclerosis alone because some may have GCA. We present a case report in which presence of diffuse atherosclerosis was a major pitfall while making a timely diagnosis of GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beenish Fayyaz
- Internal Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Towson, MD, USA
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Chrysidis S, Duftner C, Dejaco C, Schäfer VS, Ramiro S, Carrara G, Scirè CA, Hocevar A, Diamantopoulos AP, Iagnocco A, Mukhtyar C, Ponte C, Naredo E, De Miguel E, Bruyn GA, Warrington KJ, Terslev L, Milchert M, D'Agostino MA, Koster MJ, Rastalsky N, Hanova P, Macchioni P, Kermani TA, Lorenzen T, Døhn UM, Fredberg U, Hartung W, Dasgupta B, Schmidt WA. Definitions and reliability assessment of elementary ultrasound lesions in giant cell arteritis: a study from the OMERACT Large Vessel Vasculitis Ultrasound Working Group. RMD Open 2018; 4:e000598. [PMID: 29862043 PMCID: PMC5976098 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To define the elementary ultrasound (US) lesions in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and to evaluate the reliability of the assessment of US lesions according to these definitions in a web-based reliability exercise. Methods Potential definitions of normal and abnormal US findings of temporal and extracranial large arteries were retrieved by a systematic literature review. As a subsequent step, a structured Delphi exercise was conducted involving an expert panel of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) US Large Vessel Vasculitis Group to agree definitions of normal US appearance and key elementary US lesions of vasculitis of temporal and extracranial large arteries. The reliability of these definitions on normal and abnormal blood vessels was tested on 150 still images and videos in a web-based reliability exercise. Results Twenty-four experts participated in both Delphi rounds. From originally 25 statements, nine definitions were obtained for normal appearance, vasculitis and arteriosclerosis of cranial and extracranial vessels. The ‘halo’ and ‘compression’ signs were the key US lesions in GCA. The reliability of the definitions for normal temporal and axillary arteries, the ‘halo’ sign and the ‘compression’ sign was excellent with inter-rater agreements of 91–99% and mean kappa values of 0.83–0.98 for both inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities of all 25 experts. Conclusions The ‘halo’ and the ‘compression’ signs are regarded as the most important US abnormalities for GCA. The inter-rater and intra-rater agreement of the new OMERACT definitions for US lesions in GCA was excellent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Chrysidis
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Southwest Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Christina Duftner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Division of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Department of Rhematology, Hospital of Bruneck, Bruneck, Italy
| | - Valentin S Schäfer
- III. Medical Clinic, Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia Ramiro
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Greta Carrara
- Epidemiology Unit, Italian Society for Rheumatology (SIR), Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Alberto Scirè
- Epidemiology Unit, Italian Society for Rheumatology (SIR), Milan, Italy.,Department of Rheumatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alojzija Hocevar
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Annamaria Iagnocco
- Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche - Reumatologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Chetan Mukhtyar
- Department of Rheumatology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Hospital de Santa Maria - CHLN, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | - Lene Terslev
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marcin Milchert
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Petra Hanova
- Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University of Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Tanaz A Kermani
- Department of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tove Lorenzen
- Diagnostic Centre Region Hospital Silkeborg, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Uffe Møller Døhn
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrich Fredberg
- Diagnostic Centre Region Hospital Silkeborg, Silkeborg, Denmark.,Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & Anglia Ruskin University, Southend-on-Sea, UK
| | - Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Luqmani R, Lee E, Singh S, Gillett M, Schmidt WA, Bradburn M, Dasgupta B, Diamantopoulos AP, Forrester-Barker W, Hamilton W, Masters S, McDonald B, McNally E, Pease C, Piper J, Salmon J, Wailoo A, Wolfe K, Hutchings A. The Role of Ultrasound Compared to Biopsy of Temporal Arteries in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (TABUL): a diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness study. Health Technol Assess 2018; 20:1-238. [PMID: 27925577 DOI: 10.3310/hta20900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a relatively common form of primary systemic vasculitis, which, if left untreated, can lead to permanent sight loss. We compared ultrasound as an alternative diagnostic test with temporal artery biopsy, which may be negative in 9-61% of true cases. OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of ultrasound with biopsy in diagnosing patients with suspected GCA. DESIGN Prospective multicentre cohort study. SETTING Secondary care. PARTICIPANTS A total of 381 patients referred with newly suspected GCA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sensitivity, specificity and cost-effectiveness of ultrasound compared with biopsy or ultrasound combined with biopsy for diagnosing GCA and interobserver reliability in interpreting scan or biopsy findings. RESULTS We developed and implemented an ultrasound training programme for diagnosing suspected GCA. We recruited 430 patients with suspected GCA. We analysed 381 patients who underwent both ultrasound and biopsy within 10 days of starting treatment for suspected GCA and who attended a follow-up assessment (median age 71.1 years; 72% female). The sensitivity of biopsy was 39% [95% confidence interval (CI) 33% to 46%], which was significantly lower than previously reported and inferior to ultrasound (54%, 95% CI 48% to 60%); the specificity of biopsy (100%, 95% CI 97% to 100%) was superior to ultrasound (81%, 95% CI 73% to 88%). If we scanned all suspected patients and performed biopsies only on negative cases, sensitivity increased to 65% and specificity was maintained at 81%, reducing the need for biopsies by 43%. Strategies combining clinical judgement (clinician's assessment at 2 weeks) with the tests showed sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 81%, respectively, for biopsy and 93% and 77%, respectively, for ultrasound; cost-effectiveness (incremental net monetary benefit) was £485 per patient in favour of ultrasound with both cost savings and a small health gain. Inter-rater analysis revealed moderate agreement among sonographers (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.61, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.75), similar to pathologists (0.62, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.76). LIMITATIONS There is no independent gold standard diagnosis for GCA. The reference diagnosis used to determine accuracy was based on classification criteria for GCA that include clinical features at presentation and biopsy results. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated the feasibility of providing training in ultrasound for the diagnosis of GCA. Our results indicate better sensitivity but poorer specificity of ultrasound compared with biopsy and suggest some scope for reducing the role of biopsy. The moderate interobserver agreement for both ultrasound and biopsy indicates scope for improving assessment and reporting of test results and challenges the assumption that a positive biopsy always represents GCA. FUTURE WORK Further research should address the issue of an independent reference diagnosis, standards for interpreting and reporting test results and the evaluation of ultrasound training, and should also explore the acceptability of these new diagnostic strategies in GCA. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raashid Luqmani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ellen Lee
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Surjeet Singh
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mike Gillett
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mike Bradburn
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Department of Rheumatology, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Southend, UK
| | | | - Wulf Forrester-Barker
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William Hamilton
- Primary Care Diagnostics, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Shauna Masters
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Brendan McDonald
- Department of Neuropathology and Ocular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Eugene McNally
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Colin Pease
- Department of Rheumatology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Jennifer Piper
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - John Salmon
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Allan Wailoo
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Konrad Wolfe
- Department of Pathology, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Southend, UK
| | - Andrew Hutchings
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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48
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Duftner C, Dejaco C, Sepriano A, Falzon L, Schmidt WA, Ramiro S. Imaging in diagnosis, outcome prediction and monitoring of large vessel vasculitis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis informing the EULAR recommendations. RMD Open 2018. [PMID: 29531788 PMCID: PMC5845406 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To perform a systematic literature review on imaging techniques for diagnosis, outcome prediction and disease monitoring in large vessel vasculitis (LVV) informing the European League Against Rheumatism recommendations for imaging in LVV. Methods Systematic literature review (until 10 March 2017) of diagnostic and prognostic studies enrolling >20 patients and investigating ultrasound, MRI, CT or positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with suspected and/or established primary LVV. Meta-analyses were conducted, whenever possible, obtaining pooled estimates for sensitivity and specificity by fitting random effects models. Results Forty-three studies were included (39 on giant cell arteritis (GCA), 4 on Takayasu arteritis (TAK)). Ultrasound ('halo' sign) at temporal arteries (8 studies, 605 patients) and MRI of cranial arteries (6 studies, 509 patients) yielded pooled sensitivities of 77% (95% CI 62% to 87%) and 73% (95% CI 57% to 85%), respectively, compared with a clinical diagnosis of GCA. Corresponding specificities were 96% (95% CI 85% to 99%) and 88% (95% CI 81% to 92%). Two studies (93 patients) investigating PET for GCA diagnosis reported sensitivities of 67%-77% and specificities of 66%-100% as compared with clinical diagnosis or temporal artery biopsy. In TAK, one study each evaluated the role of magnetic resonance angiography and CT angiography for diagnostic purposes revealing both a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Studies on outcome prediction and monitoring disease activity/damage were limited and mainly descriptive. Conclusions Ultrasound and MRI provide a high diagnostic value for cranial GCA. More data on the role of imaging for diagnosis of extracranial large vessel GCA and TAK, as well as for outcome prediction and monitoring in LVV are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Duftner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Division of Internal Medicine II, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Rheumatology Service, South Tyrolean Health Trust, Hospital of Bruneck, Bruneck, Italy.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Alexandre Sepriano
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Louise Falzon
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | - Sofia Ramiro
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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49
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Dejaco C, Ramiro S, Duftner C, Besson FL, Bley TA, Blockmans D, Brouwer E, Cimmino MA, Clark E, Dasgupta B, Diamantopoulos AP, Direskeneli H, Iagnocco A, Klink T, Neill L, Ponte C, Salvarani C, Slart RHJA, Whitlock M, Schmidt WA. EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis in clinical practice. Ann Rheum Dis 2018; 77:636-643. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-212649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 504] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of imaging modalities in primary large vessel vasculitis (LVV) including giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) standardised operating procedures were followed. A systematic literature review was conducted to retrieve data on the role of imaging modalities including ultrasound, MRI, CT and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) in LVV. Based on evidence and expert opinion, the task force consisting of 20 physicians, healthcare professionals and patients from 10 EULAR countries developed recommendations, with consensus obtained through voting. The final level of agreement was voted anonymously. A total of 12 recommendations have been formulated. The task force recommends an early imaging test in patients with suspected LVV, with ultrasound and MRI being the first choices in GCA and TAK, respectively. CT or PET may be used alternatively. In case the diagnosis is still in question after clinical examination and imaging, additional investigations including temporal artery biopsy and/or additional imaging are required. In patients with a suspected flare, imaging might help to better assess disease activity. The frequency and choice of imaging modalities for long-term monitoring of structural damage remains an individual decision; close monitoring for aortic aneurysms should be conducted in patients at risk for this complication. All imaging should be performed by a trained specialist using appropriate operational procedures and settings. These are the first EULAR recommendations providing up-to-date guidance for the role of imaging in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with (suspected) LVV.
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50
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Kubota K, Yamashita H, Mimori A. Clinical Value of FDG-PET/CT for the Evaluation of Rheumatic Diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, and Relapsing Polychondritis. Semin Nucl Med 2017; 47:408-424. [DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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