The cut-off values for the intima–media complex thickness assessed by colour Doppler sonography in seven cranial and aortic arch arteries. (18th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ješe, Rok; Rotar, Žiga; Tomšič, Matija; Hočevar, Alojzija
• Is Part Of: Rheumatology. Volume 60:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 1346
• Page End: 1352
• Publication Date: 2020-09-18
• Subjects: giant cell arteritis -- ultrasonography -- vasculitis -- diagnostic imaging -- inflammation; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; Rheumatology -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa578
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-0324

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Colour Doppler sonography (CDS) is becoming ever more important in the diagnosis of GCA. Data on cut-off values for intima–media complex thickness (IMT) that can be used in clinical practice to distinguish between normal and inflamed arteries are limited. We aimed to derive potential cut-off values for IMT of seven preselected arteries by comparing IMT between GCA patients and a control group. Methods: We performed CDS of the preselected temporal, facial, occipital, carotid, vertebral, subclavian and axillary arteries in consecutive newly diagnosed GCA patients between October 2013 and September 2019. A 'halo' with positive compression sign was considered a positive finding. We measured the maximum IMT in the preselected arteries and compared it with the maximum IMT of the control group. Results: We were able to demonstrate a halo sign in at least one of the examined arteries of 244/248 (98.4%) GCA patients. Temporal arteries were the most commonly affected vessels, involved in 192 (77.4%) patients. We found extracranial large vessel involvement in 87 (35.1%) patients. The following cut-off values showed high levels of diagnostic accuracy: ≥0.4 mm for temporal, facial and occipital arteries, ≥0.7 mm for vertebral arteries, and ≥1 mm for carotid, subclavian and axillary arteries. Conclusion: The involvement of a large array of arteries is easily and commonly detected by CDS and provides a high diagnostic yield in patients with suspected GCA. Proposed IMT cut-off values might further improve the diagnostic utility of CDS in these patients.