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Hamann S, Ing EB, Lee AG, Van Stavern GP. Can Ultrasound Replace Temporal Artery Biopsy for Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis? J Neuroophthalmol 2024; 44:273-279. [PMID: 38551663 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000002132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Hamann
- Department of Ophthalmology (SH), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences (EI), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Chair of Ophthalmology (AGL), Blanton Eye Institute, Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas; and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (GPVS), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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Brittain JM, Hansen MS, Carlsen JF, Brandt AH, Terslev L, Jensen MR, Lindberg U, Larsson HBW, Heegaard S, Døhn UM, Klefter ON, Wiencke AK, Subhi Y, Hamann S, Haddock B. Multimodality Imaging in Cranial Giant Cell Arteritis: First Experience with High-Resolution T1-Weighted 3D Black Blood without Contrast Enhancement Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 14:81. [PMID: 38201390 PMCID: PMC10802188 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14010081] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In order to support or refute the clinical suspicion of cranial giant cell arteritis (GCA), a supplemental imaging modality is often required. High-resolution black blood Magnetic Resonance Imaging (BB MRI) techniques with contrast enhancement can visualize artery wall inflammation in GCA. We compared findings on BB MRI without contrast enhancement with findings on 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/low-dose computed tomography (2-[18F]FDG PET/CT) in ten patients suspected of having GCA and in five control subjects who had a 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT performed as a routine control for malignant melanoma. BB MRI was consistent with 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT in 10 out of 10 cases in the group with suspected GCA. In four out of five cases in the control group, the BB MRI was consistent with 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT. In this small population, BB MRI without contrast enhancement shows promising performance in the diagnosis of GCA, and might be an applicable imaging modality in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Maestri Brittain
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Michael Stormly Hansen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark; (M.S.H.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (A.K.W.); (Y.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Jonathan Frederik Carlsen
- Department of Radiology, Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (J.F.C.); (A.H.B.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Andreas Hjelm Brandt
- Department of Radiology, Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (J.F.C.); (A.H.B.)
| | - Lene Terslev
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
- Department of Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark;
| | - Mads Radmer Jensen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Ulrich Lindberg
- Functional Imaging Unit, Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rigshospitalet, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark; (U.L.); (H.B.W.L.)
| | - Henrik Bo Wiberg Larsson
- Functional Imaging Unit, Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rigshospitalet, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark; (U.L.); (H.B.W.L.)
| | - Steffen Heegaard
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark; (M.S.H.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (A.K.W.); (Y.S.); (S.H.)
- Eye Pathology Section, Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Uffe Møller Døhn
- Department of Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark;
| | - Oliver Niels Klefter
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark; (M.S.H.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (A.K.W.); (Y.S.); (S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Anne Katrine Wiencke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark; (M.S.H.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (A.K.W.); (Y.S.); (S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Yousif Subhi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark; (M.S.H.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (A.K.W.); (Y.S.); (S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zealand University Hospital, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Steffen Hamann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark; (M.S.H.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (A.K.W.); (Y.S.); (S.H.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Bryan Haddock
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
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Casteleyn V, Schmidt WA. [Imaging of large vessel vasculitis]. Z Rheumatol 2023; 82:646-653. [PMID: 37620546 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01405-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK) are the most important primary large vessel vasculitides. A rapid and reliable confirmation of the diagnosis is necessary to prevent ischemic complications. Patients with extracranial GCA and TAK often present with unspecific symptoms. Since 2018 the EULAR has recommended imaging as an alternative to histology for confirming the diagnosis. Ultrasound is particularly recommended as the primary imaging modality for cranial GCA. Alternatively, MRI and PET can be used for the diagnostics of temporal arteritis. Ultrasound is also valuable for extracranial GCA, alternatively MRI, CT or PET-CT can be used. This review discusses the current status of imaging techniques in large vessel vasculitis as well as the advantages and disadvantages. The focus is on ultrasound, which is increasingly being used as the primary diagnostic modality due to its excellent diagnostic quality, wide availability, noninvasiveness, and patient friendliness. Technical aspects, prerequisites, and normal and pathological findings are also presented. Finally, an outlook is given on promising new developments, such as scores for evaluating disease progression and contrast-enhanced ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Casteleyn
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Rheumatologie und klinische Immunologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Wolfgang Andreas Schmidt
- Abteilung Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Standort Berlin-Buch, Lindenberger Weg 19, 13125, Berlin, Deutschland
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Bosch P, Bond M, Dejaco C, Ponte C, Mackie SL, Falzon L, Schmidt WA, Ramiro S. Imaging in diagnosis, monitoring and outcome prediction of large vessel vasculitis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis informing the 2023 update of the EULAR recommendations. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003379. [PMID: 37620113 PMCID: PMC10450079 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To update the evidence on imaging for diagnosis, monitoring and outcome prediction in large vessel vasculitis (LVV) to inform the 2023 update of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology recommendations on imaging in LVV. METHODS Systematic literature review (SLR) (2017-2022) including prospective cohort and cross-sectional studies (>20 participants) on diagnostic, monitoring, outcome prediction and technical aspects of LVV imaging. Diagnostic accuracy data were meta-analysed in combination with data from an earlier (2017) SLR. RESULTS The update retrieved 38 studies, giving a total of 81 studies when combined with the 2017 SLR. For giant cell arteritis (GCA), and taking clinical diagnosis as a reference standard, low risk of bias (RoB) studies yielded pooled sensitivities and specificities (95% CI) of 88% (82% to 92%) and 96% (95% CI 86% to 99%) for ultrasound (n=8 studies), 81% (95% CI 71% to 89%) and 98% (95% CI 89% to 100%) for MRI (n=3) and 76% (95% CI 67% to 83%) and 95% (95% CI 71% to 99%) for fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET, n=4), respectively. Compared with studies assessing cranial arteries only, low RoB studies with ultrasound assessing both cranial and extracranial arteries revealed a higher sensitivity (93% (95% CI 88% to 96%) vs 80% (95% CI 71% to 87%)) with comparable specificity (94% (95% CI 83% to 98%) vs 97% (95% CI 71% to 100%)). No new studies on diagnostic imaging for Takayasu arteritis (TAK) were found. Some monitoring studies in GCA or TAK reported associations of imaging with clinical signs of inflammation. No evidence was found to determine whether imaging severity might predict worse clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION Ultrasound, MRI and FDG-PET revealed a good performance for the diagnosis of GCA. Cranial and extracranial vascular ultrasound had a higher pooled sensitivity with similar specificity compared with limited cranial ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Bosch
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Milena Bond
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck (ASAA-SABES), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsius Medical University, Brunico, Italy
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck (ASAA-SABES), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsius Medical University, Brunico, Italy
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Norte, EPE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sarah Louise Mackie
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Louise Falzon
- Health Economics and Decision Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Department of Rheumatology, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia Ramiro
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, The Netherlands
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Is Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Necessary for the Initial Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030693. [PMID: 36983848 PMCID: PMC10058337 DOI: 10.3390/life13030693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an ophthalmological emergency that can be difficult to diagnose and prompt treatment is vital. We investigated the sequential diagnostic value for patients with suspected GCA using three biochemical measures as they arrive to the clinician: first, platelet count, then C-reactive protein (CRP), and lastly, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This retrospective cross-sectional study of consecutive patients with suspected GCA investigated platelet count, CRP, and ESR using diagnostic test accuracy statistics and odds ratios (ORs) in a sequential fashion. The diagnosis was established by experts at follow-up, considering clinical findings and tests including temporal artery biopsy. A total of 94 patients were included, of which 37 (40%) were diagnosed with GCA. Compared with those without GCA, patients with GCA had a higher platelet count (p < 0.001), CRP (p < 0.001), and ESR (p < 0.001). Platelet count demonstrated a low sensitivity (38%) and high specificity (88%); CRP, a high sensitivity (86%) and low specificity (56%); routine ESR, a high sensitivity (89%) and low specificity (47%); and age-adjusted ESR, a moderate sensitivity (65%) and moderate specificity (65%). Sequential analysis revealed that ESR did not provide additional value in evaluating risk of GCA. Initial biochemical evaluation can be based on platelet count and CRP, without waiting for ESR, which allows faster initial decision-making in GCA.
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Vaiopoulos A, Kanakis M, Vaiopoulos G, Samanidis G, Kaklamanis P. Giant Cell Arteritis: Focusing on Current Aspects From the Clinic to Diagnosis and Treatment. Angiology 2022:33197221130564. [PMID: 36164723 DOI: 10.1177/00033197221130564] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous arteritis involving large arteries, particularly the aorta and its major proximal branches, including the carotid and temporal arteries. GCA involves individuals over 50 years old. The etiopathogenesis of GCA may involve a genetic background triggered by unknown environmental factors (eg infections), the activation of dendritic cells as well as inflammatory and vascular remodeling. However, its pathogenetic mechanism still remains unclear, although progress has been made in recent years. In the past, inflammatory markers and arterial biopsy were considered as gold standard for the diagnosis of GCA. However, emerging imaging methods have been made more sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of GCA. Treatment includes biological and other modalities including interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristeidis Vaiopoulos
- 2nd Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 69038Attikon University General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Meletios Kanakis
- Department of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, 69106Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| | - George Vaiopoulos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, 68989National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Samanidis
- First Department of Adult Cardiac Surgery, 69106Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
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Klefter ON, Hansen MS, Willerslev A, Faber C, Terslev L, Jensen MR, Døhn UM, Wiencke A, Heegaard S, Hamann S. Optical Coherence Tomography of Peripapillary Vessels in Giant Cell Arteritis and Ischaemic Ocular Disease. Neuroophthalmology 2022; 46:383-389. [PMID: 36544584 PMCID: PMC9762795 DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2022.2113901] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With normal retinal blood flow, cross-sectional optical coherence tomography (OCT) of retinal vessels shows a structured intravascular reflectivity profile, resembling a 'figure-of-8'. Altered profiles have been reported in vascular occlusive and haematological diseases. Giant cell arteritis (GCA) can cause visual loss, usually due to anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (AION) or retinal artery occlusion. Our aim was to extend the assessment of OCT vascular profiles to patients with suspected GCA and to determine if any abnormalities were related to GCA per se or to ischaemic ocular conditions. This nested retrospective study included 61 eyes of 31 patients (13 with GCA). Six eyes had arteritic and seven eyes non-arteritic AION, three eyes had non-arteritic retinal artery occlusion, 11 eyes had other ocular conditions and 34 were unaffected control eyes. For each eye the appearance of structured intravascular profiles on peripapillary OCT was graded as present, partial, absent or uncertain. Non-presence of structured intravascular profiles was more frequent in AION and retinal artery occlusion than in other ocular conditions or unaffected eyes (Fisher's test, p = .0047). Based on follow-up of 25 eyes, reflectivity profiles normalised in three out of four eyes after 85 (35-245) days. Vessel profiles were not associated with GCA (p = .32) and were similar in arteritic and non-arteritic AION (p = .66). In conclusion, absence of structured intravascular reflectivity profiles may be a marker of acute ischaemia in the anterior optic nerve or inner retina. However, it did not seem specific for GCA. The prognostic value warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver N. Klefter
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Michael S. Hansen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Anne Willerslev
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Carsten Faber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Lene Terslev
- Department of Rheumatology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Mads R. Jensen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Uffe M. Døhn
- Department of Rheumatology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Anne Wiencke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Steffen Heegaard
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
- Eye Pathology Section, Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steffen Hamann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
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Piccus R, Hansen MS, Hamann S, Mollan SP. An update on the clinical approach to giant cell arteritis. Clin Med (Lond) 2022; 22:107-111. [PMID: 35304369 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2022-0041] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent national and international guidance from rheumatology societies have reflected the advances in evidence for both the investigation and management of giant cell arteritis. Cranial ultrasound reduces diagnostic delay and improves clinical outcomes. Immediate high-dose glucocorticoids remain the standard treatment for giant cell arteritis. Randomised controlled trial evidence using tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, has been shown to have good clinical efficacy with glucocorticoid sparing effects. Overall patient outcomes appear to be improved by formalising pathways for diagnosis to include clinical experts' opinion early in decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Piccus
- University of Birmingham Medical School, Edgbaston, UK
| | | | | | - Susan P Mollan
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Yu E, Chang JR. Giant Cell Arteritis: Updates and Controversies. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022; 2:848861. [PMID: 38983551 PMCID: PMC11182101 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2022.848861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Abstract Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic granulomatous vasculitis affecting the medium and large-size arteries, and may present with a range of ophthalmic findings. This review will cover GCA epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment. Epidemiology and Pathophysiology GCA is commonly found in elderly patients and individuals of Scandinavian descent. Recent publications suggest it may be more common in African Americans and Hispanics than previously thought. It is very rare in Asian and Middle-Eastern populations, and there is little data regarding African populations. Genetic studies have identified increased risk associated with HLA-DRB1*04. Rather than a response to a specific antigen such as varicella zoster virus, current immunology research suggests that GCA results from changes associated with the aging immune system. Clinical presentation to Ophthalmology Arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is the most common ophthalmic manifestation of GCA, but central or branch retinal artery occlusion, ophthalmic artery occlusion, cranial neuropathies causing diplopia, and more rarely anterior segment ischemia and anisocoria may also occur. Clinical testing including visual field testing, OCT, OCT-A, ICG and fluorescein angiography can be helpful in suggesting a diagnosis in addition to the clinical exam. Diagnostic Workup GCA is ultimately a clinical diagnosis, but it is usually supported with lab results, pathology, and/or imaging. Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) remains the gold standard diagnostic test although its sensitivity is debated and practice patterns still vary with respect to sample length and whether unilateral or simultaneous bilateral biopsies are performed. Some studies have reported higher sensitivity of ultrasounds over TAB, with added benefits of time efficiency and cost effectiveness, promoting the diagnostic use of ultrasounds. MRI and even PET CT protocols offer additional options for less invasive diagnostic testing. Treatment Vision-threatening GCA is treated acutely with emergent admission for intravenous methylprednisolone, and long-term high dose oral corticosteroids remain the standard of care, despite common and sometimes serious side effects. The use of steroid-sparing alternatives such as tocilizumab is becoming more common and additional agents are being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica R. Chang
- University of Southern California Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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