Highlights from the breakout session: imaging in disease assessment

The breakout session "Imaging in Disease Assessment" featured six abstracts on imaging advancements for vasculitis. Disease extent on cranial MRI and its association with visual complications in giant cell arteritis (GCA) was evaluated, introducing the Propensity for Enhancement for GCA (P EG) score to assess inflammation. Predictors of remission and relapse in chronic periaortitis were analyzed, suggesting the potential for tailored treatment approaches. A novel radiomic model using CT chest scans accurately predicted relapses in ANCA-associated vasculitis. FDG-PET for monitoring GCA in patients on tocilizumab demonstrated limited predictive value. Comparative assessments of Takayasu arteritis using the Takayasu Arteritis Disease Activity Index (TAIDAI) highlighted the need for standardized evaluations. Finally, a protocolized ultrasonography pathway for diagnosing large vessel vasculitis showed promising results, suggesting a combined ultrasound and second test approach, guided by CRP levels, as a gold standard. The session emphasized integrating imaging biomarkers with clinical assessments to improve disease management.