Vasculitis & polymyalgia rheumatica
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound in giant cell arteritis: complementary strengths and combined diagnostic value
Authors' conclusion
MRI and ultrasound each provide high diagnostic accuracy for GCA while capturing complementary patterns of vascular inflammation. Bilateral involvement across multiple vascular territories is a defining disease feature.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA), tertiary care centre, July 2017–October 2022183 analysed
- Comparison
- MRI vs US, and concordant MRI and US, in suspected GCA
- MRIn = 183
- Ultrasoundn = 159
- Outcome
- Diagnostic accuracy for GCA (ROC curve analysis)
Methodological detailsretrospective, tertiary care centre
- Retrospective
- Tertiary care centre
Performance
As reported in the abstract
Diagnostic performance for GCA
| Test or model | Value | AUC | Sensitivity | Specificity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRI | 0.90 | 0.88 | 0.85 | |
| Ultrasound | 0.89 | 0.84 | 0.92 | |
| Concordant MRI and US | 82 % of cases | 0.94 | 0.96 | 0.92 |
Value
MRI— not stated in the abstract
Ultrasound— not stated in the abstract
Concordant MRI and US82 % of cases
AUC
MRI0.90
Ultrasound0.89
Concordant MRI and US0.94
Sensitivity
MRI0.88
Ultrasound0.84
Concordant MRI and US0.96
Specificity
MRI0.85
Ultrasound0.92
Concordant MRI and US0.92
Further findings
Cross-modality correlation, temporal arteries (strongest)
- R
- 0.52
Vessel involvement pattern
- Bilateral vessel involvement distinguished GCA from non-GCA, extending beyond subclavian/axillary arteries to temporal, occipital and vertebral territories
Original publication
MRI and Ultrasound in giant cell arteritis: complementary strengths and combined diagnostic value. Semin Arthritis Rheum. Published 11 June 2026. doi:10.
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