Vasculitis & polymyalgia rheumatica
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT uptake characteristics in immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced polymyalgia rheumatica compared to idiopathic polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors' conclusion
The distribution of musculoskeletal inflammation on 18F-FDG PET/CT differed between ICI-PMR and idiopathic PMR. ICI-PMR was associated with less intense musculoskeletal uptake, especially in extra-articular regions, even after stratification based on peripheral arthritis.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with ICI-PMR or idiopathic polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) with an 18F-FDG PET/CT within 3 months before diagnosis
- Participants
- 20 vs 23
- Exposure
- ICI-PMR vs idiopathic PMR
- ICI-PMRn = 20
- Idiopathic PMRn = 23reference
- Outcome
- 18F-FDG uptake in 20 musculoskeletal ROIs on PET/CT
Methodological detailsobservational, comparative, single-centre, two independent readers
- Observational
- Comparative
- Single-centre
- Two independent readers
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
18F-FDG uptake on PET/CT
- Significantly lower uptake in ICI-PMR vs idiopathic PMR at ischial tuberosities, greater trochanters, anterior pubic symphysis, iliopectineal bursae, sternoclavicular joints and interspinous bursae
- Differences remained significant for five of the six regions of interest (ROIs) after stratification by peripheral arthritis
- Leuven and Besançon scores significantly lower in ICI-PMR, regardless of peripheral arthritis
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Clinical features
- Similar CRP levels; higher frequency of peripheral arthritis in ICI-PMR
Original publication
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT uptake characteristics in immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced polymyalgia rheumatica compared to idiopathic polymyalgia rheumatica. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 6 April 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →