Using MRI to detect inflammation in giant cell arteritis
Official title: A Longitudinal Study of Orbital and Cranial Vessel Wall MRI in Giant Cell Arteritis by the Vascular MRI Evaluation in Giant Cell Arteritis (VEGA) Collaborative
Run by University of Pennsylvania · NCT05865054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if MRI scans can help find inflammation in the arteries of people with giant cell arteritis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Rochester, Minnesota and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 29, 2020 |
| Main results expected | July 2030 |
| Study ends | July 2033 |
| Registry record updated | September 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05865054 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals with a suspected new diagnosis or relapse of giant cell arteritis who exhibit cranial symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without cranial manifestations or those who do not meet the inclusion criteria for GCA may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying inflammation in the arteries that supply blood to the head, brain, and eyes in patients diagnosed with giant cell arteritis (GCA). Participants will undergo an MRI scan within two weeks of enrollment and complete questionnaires about their condition. Follow-up visits and additional MRI scans may be conducted at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after the initial scan or during a relapse of symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis by providing a non-invasive method to detect arterial inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of MRI in this context is promising, it is a relatively novel approach and further validation is needed to establish its effectiveness.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 50 years or older * First presentation of suspected GCA * New or worsening cranial manifestations within 4 weeks of enrollment concerning for active GCA * Elevated CRP greater than 1.0 mg/dl * Plan to undergo temporal artery biopsy or ultrasound for diagnosis Exclusion Criteria: * Contra-indication to receiving MRI including: Implanted medical devices, pacemaker, and metallic foreign fragments inside body/orbits Known gadolinium allergy Women who are pregnant or nursing * Absence of cranial symptoms related to GCA (e.g., only large vessel GCA)
Where it's running
-
Mayo Building and Gonda Building
Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting -
3400 Civic Center Blvd
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Not yet recruiting -
University Hospital Wuerzburg
Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rennie Rhee, MD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Brenda Hernandez-Romero, B.S
- Email: Brenda_Hernandez-Romero@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 917-548-2067
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This study is trying to understand how Giant Cell Arteritis affects vision in adults by comparing eye health in those with GCA-related vision problems to those with other causes of vision loss.
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This study is trying to find specific markers in the blood of people newly diagnosed with giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica to help doctors understand their disease better and create personalized treatment plans.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.