Infect Chemother.  2015 Sep;47(3):190-193. 10.3947/ic.2015.47.3.190.

FDG PET-CT in the Diagnosis of Takayasu Arteritis Presenting as Fever of Unknown Origin: A Case Report

• Kim J
• Oh MD

• KMID: 2068985
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2015.47.3.190

Abstract

Takayasu arteritis is a chronic vasculitis involving the large vessels. At diagnosis, ischemic symptom are usually present in the affected vessels. However, fever of unknown origin (FUO) is rare as an initial presentation and renders the condition difficult to diagnose. In this case report, we describe a patient who presented with a fever of unknown origin. A 68-year-old female was diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis after fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) was performed at the prepulseless stage. FDG PET-CT can assist in the early diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis patients with FUO and can improve the prognosis of such patients.

Keyword

Fever of unknown origin; FUO; FDG PET-CT; Takayasu arteritis; Vasculitis

MeSH Terms

Aged
Diagnosis*
Early Diagnosis
Female
Fever of Unknown Origin*
Fever*
Humans
Prognosis
Takayasu Arteritis*
Vasculitis

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Chest CT revealed thickening of the aortal wall (arrow) (A) whereas the FDG PET-CT scan revealed intense radiolabel uptake by the walls of the ascending and descending aorta (arrow) (B). CT, computed tomography; FDG PET-CT, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography.

• 

  Figure 2 Chest CT revealed diffuse thickening of the aortic arch and the thoracic aorta (arrow) (A), whereas the FDG PET-CT scan revealed high-level radiolabel uptake by aortal wall regions corresponding to the areas that were diffusely thickened on chest CT. FDG PET-CT imaging also revealed increased glucose uptake by the walls of the subclavian arteries (arrow) (B). CT, computed tomography; FDG PET-CT, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography.

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