Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Long-Axial Field of View (LAFOV) [18F]FDG PET/CT Imaging in Large Vessel Vasculitis (LVV): Protocol Optimisation Study.

This study is looking into a new way to scan people with a condition called Large Vessel Vasculitis (LVV), which causes inflammation in major blood vessels. Currently, diagnosing and monitoring LVV can be tricky because symptoms aren't always clear. This often means doctors rely on different kinds of tests. We're exploring a new, more advanced type of full-body PET/CT scanner, called a Long-Axial Field of View (LAFOV) PET/CT. This new scanner is much more sensitive and creates clearer images than older machines. By combining it with another scan called a CT Angiogram, we hope to get a much better picture of what's happening inside the body. The aim is to create a standard scanning method that could help doctors diagnose LVV more accurately and track inflammation better, potentially leading to more targeted treatments and avoiding unnecessary side effects.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Large Vessel Vasculitis Takayasu Arteritis Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

What is this study about?

Large Vessel Vasculitis (LVV) is a condition where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks and causes inflammation in your major blood vessels. This can make it hard for doctors to diagnose and keep an eye on because symptoms can be vague and vary a lot between people. Getting a clear diagnosis is really important because it helps doctors choose the right treatment. Some of the medications used, like steroids, can have strong side effects, so they need to be used carefully and only when absolutely necessary.

At the moment, doctors often use a type of scan called an [18F]FDG PET/CT. This scan involves injecting a small amount of a slightly radioactive sugar, which helps show areas of inflammation in the blood vessels. While this scan is already used by the NHS, there's room for improvement, especially in clearly seeing changes over time. That's where a new generation of scanners, called Long-Axial Field of View (LAFOV) PET/CT, come in. These machines are much more sensitive and can take clear whole-body pictures very quickly. This study wants to see how well these new scanners can help us find and track inflammation in LVV.

We're hoping that by using these LAFOV-PET/CT scanners, alongside another scan called a CT Angiogram, we can get a much more detailed and accurate picture of what's happening in patients with LVV. A CT Angiogram involves injecting a special dye that makes your blood vessels show up clearly. Combining these two powerful scanning methods could help us better understand the disease, leading to more accurate diagnoses and more personalised treatment plans for patients. Ultimately, we hope this research will help develop better ways to manage LVV across UK hospitals.

Key takeaways

New study using advanced scanning technology for Large Vessel Vasculitis (LVV).
Aims to improve diagnosis and monitoring of LVV.
Uses a new type of PET/CT scanner (LAFOV) for clearer, faster scans.
Combines LAFOV-PET/CT with another scan called a CT Angiogram.
Could lead to more personalised treatments and better care for LVV patients.
Participation involves special scans and potentially blood tests, no new medications.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people: adults diagnosed with Large Vessel Vasculitis (LVV) and a small number of healthy volunteers.

For people with LVV, you need to be 18 or older and have a new diagnosis of LVV based on certain medical guidelines or your doctor's assessment from standard scans. You also need to be generally well enough to take part and follow the study instructions. There are some specific important points: you should not have started steroid treatment more than 7 days before the special scan, you shouldn't have poorly controlled diabetes (blood sugar too high), and you can't be pregnant or breastfeeding. You also need to be comfortable in small spaces for the scan and not be allergic to the dye used in some scans.

For healthy volunteers, we are looking for a small number of people aged 18 or older, some under 50 and some 50 or over. You need to be generally well and able to follow study instructions. Similar to LVV patients, you can't be pregnant or breastfeeding, or have claustrophobia. You also shouldn't have certain medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or migraines, or be taking certain medications, and you must not have a history of smoking.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Have you been newly diagnosed with Large Vessel Vasculitis (LVV)?
Are you able to lie still in a scanner for a period of time?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you not started steroid treatment more than 7 days ago (if you have LVV)?
Do you not have an allergy to special dyes used in scans?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you will have a special scan called a Long-Axial Field of View (LAFOV) PET/CT scan, combined with a CT Angiogram. This involves injecting a small amount of a slightly radioactive sugar and a special dye into your vein before the scan. The scan itself will take pictures of your whole body. For some parts of the scan, you will lie still in the scanner. You may need to have your blood tested as part of the study. The study does not involve taking any new medications. There may be follow-up appointments to monitor your condition, which will be discussed with you. The total duration of your participation in the study will depend on how many follow-up scans are needed.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could offer benefits by helping doctors learn more about your condition using a new, advanced scanning method. This might lead to a better understanding of your specific situation. You would also be contributing to research that could improve how LVV is diagnosed and treated for everyone in the future. As with any medical procedure, there are some small risks, such as allergic reactions to the dyes or radioactive sugar, or the radiation exposure from the scans, though this is kept as low as possible. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom
King's College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Large Vessel Vasculitis (LVV)?

LVV is a condition where your body's immune system attacks and inflames your major blood vessels, which can make them narrower or weaker.

What is a PET/CT scan?

It's a type of body scan that uses a small amount of radioactive sugar to find areas of inflammation or unusual activity in your body.

What is special about the 'LAFOV' scanner?

LAFOV (Long-Axial Field of View) scanners are a new generation that are much more sensitive, give clearer pictures, and can scan your whole body faster with potentially less radiation.

Will I have to take any new medicines in this study?

No, this study focuses on improving scanning methods, not on testing new medicines. You will receive the usual injections for the scans.

Can I stop being part of the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your normal medical care.

How to find out more

Laura J McLeavy - Clinical Trial Manager, MSc

laura.mcleavy13@imperial.ac.uk 0203 313 3720 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.