Imaging Tests Used in Takayasu Arteritis
Test | Uses | Comments |
|---|---|---|
Conventional angiography (aortic arteriography) | Preferred when a surgical intervention is being considered and when proximal aortic blood pressure cannot be measured any other way | Provides descriptive anatomic information about the vascular lumen |
Magnetic resonance angiography of the aorta and large arteries | Avoids the risk of arterial puncture and of exposure to iodinated contrast or radiation Usually the test of choice in young females, who are less likely to have extensive atherosclerosis and are more susceptible to radiation-induced cancer | Provides some information about arterial wall anatomy Does not provide sufficient information about distal aortic branches because the resolution is too low Provides little information about the content of arterial plaque, making discrimination between vasculitic and atherosclerotic disease difficult |
CT angiography | Used to generally survey the aorta and its proximal branches when magnetic resonance angiography is contraindicated or is not available | Can characterize aortic calcification May provide information about arterial wall thickness Unclear whether it is useful in monitoring disease activity |
Positron emission tomography with fluorine-18 (18F) deoxyglucose | Used to assess regional differences in glucose metabolism and may help locate regions of inflammation (because inflammatory cells take up more glucose) | Does not provide information about changes in lumen size |