AUTHOR=Monti Sara , Schäfer Valentin Sebastian , Muratore Francesco , Salvarani Carlo , Montecucco Carlomaurizio , Luqmani Raashid 

TITLE=Updates on the diagnosis and monitoring of giant cell arteritis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2023.1125141

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2023.1125141

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=<p>This mini-review offers a critical appraisal of the currently employed imaging or histopathological tools to diagnose and monitor giant cell arteritis (GCA). An overview of the most updated evidence and current application of color duplex ultrasonography (US), temporal artery biopsy (TAB), 18-fluorodeoxyglucose [18F] FDG-PET/CT, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography angiography is provided. The main limitations of each tool, and the most relevant research developments are discussed. The review highlights the complementary value of the available modalities to ensure a correct diagnosis of GCA, and to provide valuable prognostic information. Novel evidence is accumulating to support the role of imaging, and particularly US, as a monitoring tool for the disease, opening new perspectives for the future management of large vessel vasculitis.</p>