ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PR) can be associated with large vessel vasculitis (LVV). We evaluate the diagnostic role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) and its impact on the treatment of LVV associated with PR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with PR. Data was collected from health records. Blood analysis included acute-phase reactants (APR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. An 18F-FDG PET/CT scan was performed in those patients whose symptoms persisted, in those with elevated APR, those who required higher doses of steroids or those who had atypical features of PR (low-grade fever, weight loss, among others). RESULTS: Twenty-three were eligible; 48% (n = 11) of the patients were diagnosed with LVV associated with PR. The site was heterogeneous, but mostly involved the aorta. In 80% of the patients with LVV, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug was added to their treatment. Elevated CRP values were associated with the likelihood of presenting LVV. CONCLUSIONS: LVV is not uncommon, clinical features and elevated CRP levels should raise suspicion of LVV associated with PR. 18F-FDG PET/CT is useful in identifying LVV associated with PR.
Subject(s)
Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 , Polymyalgia Rheumatica/complications , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography , Radiopharmaceuticals , Rheumatoid Vasculitis/diagnostic imaging , Acute-Phase Proteins/analysis , Aged , Aortitis/diagnostic imaging , Blood Sedimentation , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Female , Giant Cell Arteritis/blood , Giant Cell Arteritis/complications , Humans , Male , Polymyalgia Rheumatica/blood , Polymyalgia Rheumatica/drug therapy , Retrospective Studies , Rheumatoid Vasculitis/blood , Rheumatoid Vasculitis/drug therapy , Rheumatoid Vasculitis/etiologyABSTRACT
Rheumatoid vasculitis usually occurs on the background of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, although in rare cases the patients can be seronegative. We report a woman with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid vasculitis who developed toxic epidermal necrolysis involving most of her body surface area, while on therapy with intravenous cyclophosphamide and mesna. After withdrawal of suspected offending agents, administration of intravenous immunoglobulin, and supportive therapy, she had a favorable outcome. Such an occurrence is rare and serves to educate about a potentially life-threatening adverse event associated with a commonly used immunosuppressive agent.