Overview
The research study is being conducted to determine the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying inflammation of arteries supplying blood to the head, brain, and eyes. The target population includes patient diagnosed with giant cell arteritis (GCA; temporal arteritis).
Description
After signing the consent form, participants will complete an MRI scan within 2 weeks of enrollment and fill out questionnaires related to their disease. Follow up visits and MRI scans may occur at 1-month, 6-months, 12-months after the initial MRI scan or at the time of relapse.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Participant must be in one of the following groups:
- Suspected new diagnosis of GCA
- Suspected relapse of GCA (new or worsening symptoms attributed to active GCA) in patient with previously established diagnosis of GCA
- The participant must have (or previously had) cranial manifestations related to or
concerning for GCA including: visual symptoms, headache, temporal artery tenderness, jaw claudication, scalp tenderness, or stroke
- Participant must be within 14 days of initiating or escalating systemic glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone) OR have ongoing cranial symptoms concerning for active disease at time of baseline MRI.
- Participants who are receiving a clinically-indicated MRI at the time of enrollment may participate even if they meet exclusion criteria of creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min or mild gadolinium allergy
- Participants must sign the informed consent form
Exclusion Criteria:
- Contra-indication to receiving MRI including:
- Implanted medical devices, pacemaker and metallic foreign fragments inside body or orbit
- Known gadolinium allergy
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 ml/min/1.73m2
- Claustrophobia
- Women who are pregnant or nursing