A case of fever of unknown origin: (18)F-FDG-PET/CT findings in Takayasu's arteritis.

Abstract

This is a case of a 54 years old woman with fever of unknown origin. Physical examination showed nothing remarkable. Chest radiographs, abdominal ultrasound examination (US) and chest-abdominal-pelvic CT, showed segmental thickening of the wall of the aorta. On admission, the C-reactive protein level and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate were elevated. (18)Fluoro-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET/CT) showed increased uptake of the aorta wall and its main branches that could be indicative of arteritis. The temporal artery biopsy was negative for giant-cell arteritis. The patient responded well to prednisolone treatment. A second (18)F-FDG-PET/CT scan showed great improvement. (18)F-FDG-PET/CT scan early indicates arteritis of the great vessels that in this case was considered to be TA and contributes in monitoring disease activity.