Ultra-rare genetic variation in relapsing polychondritis: a whole-exome sequencing study.

Objective: Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a systemic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology. The objective of this study was to examine the contribution of rare genetic variations to RP.

Methods: We performed a case-control exome-wide rare variant association analysis that included 66 unrelated European American cases with RP and 2923 healthy controls (HC).

Association of F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography Activity With Angiographic Progression of Disease in Large Vessel Vasculitis.

Objective: To assess whether vascular activity seen on F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan is associated with angiographic change in large vessel vasculitis (LVV).

Methods: Patients with LVV were recruited into a prospective cohort. All patients underwent magnetic resonance angiography or computed tomography angiography and FDG-PET imaging.

Longitudinal Characterization of Vascular Inflammation and Disease Activity in Takayasu Arteritis and Giant Cell Arteritis: A Single-Center Prospective Study.

Objective: To examine and compare disease activity over time in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK) using multimodal assessment combining clinical, laboratory, and imaging-based testing.

Methods: Patients with GCA or TAK were enrolled into a single-center prospective, observational cohort at any point in the disease course. Patients underwent standardized assessment, including F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) at enrollment and follow-up visits.

Use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to standardize clinical trial recruitment in Takayasu's arteritis.

Objectives: To assess whether data from 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET should be incorporated into eligibility criteria for clinical trials in Takayasu's arteritis (TAK).

Methods: The study was conducted in two parts. Part one was an international online survey among physicians with experience managing TAK to determine, using clinical vignettes, whether FDG-PET data influence decisions about enrolment in trials.