Usefulness of PET in recognizing and managing vasculitides.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article was to review the recent contributions to the scoring methods of PET in vasculitis as well as to its role in the diagnostic work-up.

RECENT FINDINGS: Both visual and semiquantitative scoring methods can be used to interpret PET scans. PET has been shown to be both sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of large-vessel vasculitis. In addition, it also has a role in predicting vascular complications.

SUMMARY: There is a need to better standardize the scoring methods used to interpret PET scans. In clinical practice, PET is useful to diagnose untreated individuals with suspected large-vessel vasculitis and contributes to identify patients at risk for vascular complications.