Clinical usefulness of multiplanar reconstruction images obtained by multi-slice computed tomographic angiography for early-stage Takayasu’s arteritis

Abstract

We describe a case of Takayasu’s arteritis discovered during the early stage (prepulseless stage). Cervical ultrasonography and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images obtained by computed tomography (CT) showed thickening and stenosis of the walls of the common carotid arteries. However, magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA), volume rendering (VR) imaging CT, and maximum intensity projection (MIP) imaging CT could detect no obvious abnormality. We emphasize the importance of noninvasive vascular investigation with cervical ultrasonography and MPR imaging CT to support the diagnosis of early-stage Takayasu’s arteritis.

Key words::

• Cervical ultrasonography
• Early stage
• Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) image
• Multislice computed tomography
• Takayasu’s arteritis