Multimodal Assessment of Biomarkers for Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Comprehensive Analysis of Clinical, Laboratory, and Imaging Profiles

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve understanding, diagnosis, and management of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), conditions involving inflammation of blood vessels and muscles. The study focuses on identifying immune system markers and using advanced imaging techniques to better detect disease activity, complications, and treatment responses. It also seeks to enhance diagnostic accuracy and develop personalized treatment strategies for these diseases. Participants diagnosed with GCA and/or PMR will undergo detailed immunological profiling, including cytokine analysis and immune cell phenotyping, using methods such as flow cytometry, ELISA, and RNA sequencing. Imaging assessments will include MRI, optical coherence tomography angiography, vascular and transorbital ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound to detect vascular and neuro-ophthalmological involvement. Healthy volunteers matched by age and gender will serve as controls, undergoing similar assessments without treatment. Throughout the study, participants will be evaluated at multiple time points up to 18 months after diagnosis, including during disease flare-ups. Assessments include laboratory tests, imaging scans, and functional questionnaires to monitor disease progression, immune changes, and complications. Researchers will track outcomes such as neuro-ophthalmological, cardiac, and aortic involvement, as well as immune markers in blood. The study aims to provide new diagnostic standards and improve management and quality of life for affected patients.

Assessing Biomarker in Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatic