New digital PET/CT could spot hidden artery inflammation and prevent blindness

NCT ID NCT05000138

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) causes inflamed arteries and can lead to blindness if not treated quickly. This study tested a new digital PET/CT scan that can see tiny arteries in the head, which older scans missed. 92 patients with suspected GCA got both a PET/CT and an ultrasound. Researchers compared the scans to see if the new PET/CT could be a one-stop test for faster, more accurate diagnosis.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

FDG (radioactive glucose) injected for PET/CT scan

What this could lead to

If successful, digital PET/CT could become a single, reliable test to quickly diagnose giant cell arteritis, reducing the risk of blindness.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study (92 participants) comparing PET/CT to ultrasound. The new scan may not be accurate enough to replace current methods, and results may not apply to all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Giant Cell Arteritis temporal arteritis vasculitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHUS

    Sherbrooke, Quebec, H3T1C5, Canada

  • Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal

    Montreal, Quebec, H4J 1C5, Canada

  • Jewish General Hospital

    Montreal, Quebec, H4R3E8, Canada

  • University Medical Center Groningen

    Groningen, Netherlands

  • Université Bourgogne Europe, Centre Georges-François Leclerc

    Dijon, 21000, France