Usefulness of PET in recognizing and managing vasculitides

Purpose of review The aim of this article was to review the recent contributions to the scoring methods of PET in vasculitis as well as to its role in the diagnostic work-up. Recent findings Both visual and semiquantitative scoring methods can be used to interpret PET scans. PET has been shown to be both sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of large-vessel vasculitis. In addition, it also has a role in predicting vascular complications. Summary There is a need to better standardize the scoring methods used to interpret PET scans. In clinical practice, PET is useful to diagnose untreated individuals with suspected large-vessel vasculitis and contributes to identify patients at risk for vascular complications.