Lecler et al reported an algorithm for the imaging diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). The authors are from multiple institutions in Paris.
Patient selection: suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA)
Examination: MRI of temporal and occipital arteries
Arterial segments visualized on MRI:
(1) left frontal branches of superficial temporal artery
(2) right frontal branches of superficial temporal artery
(3) left parietal branches of superficial temporal artery
(4) right parietal branches of superficial temporal artery
(5) left occipital artery
(6) right occipital artery
Scoring MRI findings in each segment:
(1) wall thickening (< 0.6 mm vs >= 0.6 mm)
(2) mural enhancement (none to strong)
|
Wall Thickening
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Mural Enhancement
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Score
|
|
no
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none
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0
|
|
no
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slight
|
1
|
|
yes
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substantial
|
2
|
|
yes
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strong with perivascular inflammation
|
3
|
A positive MRI was a score >=2 in >=1 arterial segment.
A negative MRI was a scoring <= 1 in all 6 segments.
If there was an unreadable segment and if all of the other segments were <= 1, then the MRI was inconclusive.
