Using advanced PET/CT imaging to diagnose giant cell arteritis
FDG Digital PET/CT as First Line Investigation for Giant Cell Arteritis
This study is testing if a new type of PET/CT scan can help doctors diagnose giant cell arteritis more accurately in patients who might have it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 134 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Jewish General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montréal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT05000138 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of digital PET/CT imaging as a first-line diagnostic tool for giant cell arteritis (GCA). Patients suspected of having GCA will undergo an ultrasound of the temporal arteries followed by a digital PET/CT scan after receiving a radioactive glucose injection. The study will assess the diagnostic accuracy of these imaging techniques in detecting inflammation in both large and small arteries, which is crucial for preventing complications such as blindness. The findings could lead to improved diagnostic protocols for GCA.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 50 and older who exhibit symptoms suggestive of giant cell arteritis and meet specific inflammatory markers.
Not a fit: Patients who have recently started corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy or have a history of treated GCA may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the early diagnosis of giant cell arteritis, potentially preventing severe complications like vision loss.
How similar studies have performed: While traditional imaging methods have been used for GCA diagnosis, the use of digital PET/CT for this purpose is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 50 years, capable and willing to provide informed consent and can tolerate PET/CT. * ESR ≥ 50 mm/h and/or CRP ≥ 10mg/L within 1 week of PET/CT referral. * New suspected giant cell arteritis according to at least one of the following criteria: Cranial GCA symptoms (new-onset localized headache, scalp or temporal artery tenderness, ischemia-related vision loss, masseter pain on prolonged mastication) PMR symptoms: shoulder and/or hip girdle pain associated with inflammatory stiffness. Suspected large-vessel vasculitis based on angiography, MRA, or CTA. Exclusion Criteria: * Initiation of corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy \>4 days before PET/CT. * Prior TAB or treated GCA with suspected relapse. * Non-fasting or hyperglycemia (\>11.1 mmol/L) resulting in altered FDG biodistribution.
Where this trial is running
Montréal, Quebec
- Jewish General Hospital — Montréal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gad Abikhzer, MD
- Email: gad.abikhzer@mcgill.ca
- Phone: 514-340-8222
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.