Effect of Glucocorticoid Treatment on Computed Tomography Angiography Detected Large-Vessel Inflammation in XXXX . A Prospective, Longitudinal Study.

@entity1 @entity384 @entity226 @entity1333
UNASSIGNED: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) detects signs of @entity1333 ( @entity1333 ) in about 67.5% of @entity1 with @entity226 ( @entity226 ) at the time of diagnosis and early @entity384 in 15%. The outcome of CTA-findings of @entity1333 upon glucocorticoid treatment has not been prospectively evaluated.The aim of our study was to prospectively assess glucocorticoid-induced changes in CTA findings of @entity1333 in @entity1 with @entity226 .Forty biopsy-proven @entity226 @entity1 evaluated by CTA at diagnosis were prospectively followed and scheduled a new CTA approximately after 1 year of treatment. Vessel wall thickening, diameter, and contrast enhancement of the aorta and its tributaries were evaluated. Results were compared to those obtained at the time of diagnosis.CTA was repeated to 35 @entity1 after a median follow-up of 13.5 months (IQ25-75% 12.4-15.8). Arterial wall thickening was still present in 17 @entity1 (68% of the @entity1 who initially had @entity1333 ). The number of affected segments and wall thickness at various aortic segments significantly decreased and no @entity1 developed new lesions, new aortic dilation or increase in previous dilation. Contrast enhancement disappeared in 15 (93.75%) of 16 @entity1 in whom this finding could be assessed.Signs of @entity1333 improve with treatment. While contrast enhancement resolves in the majority of @entity1 , vessel wall thickening persists in two thirds. However, the number of affected aortic segments as well as aortic wall thickness significantly decreases. Longer follow-up is necessary to determine the clinical significance of persisting wall thickening and its relationship with relapses or subsequent development of @entity384 or large-vessel stenoses.
