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Vascular MRI Evaluation in Giant Cell Arteritis (VEGA)

A Longitudinal Study of Orbital and Cranial Vessel Wall MRI in Giant Cell Arteritis by the Vascular MRI Evaluation in Giant Cell Arteritis (VEGA) Collaborative

Who can join

Ages 50 and older · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 50 years or older
* First presentation of suspected GCA
* New or worsening cranial manifestations within 4 weeks of enrollment concerning for active GCA
* Elevated CRP greater than 1.0 mg/dl
* Plan to undergo temporal artery biopsy or ultrasound for diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contra-indication to receiving MRI including:

Implanted medical devices, pacemaker, and metallic foreign fragments inside body/orbits Known gadolinium allergy Women who are pregnant or nursing

* Absence of cranial symptoms related to GCA (e.g., only large vessel GCA)

About the study

The research study is being conducted to determine the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying inflammation of arteries supplying blood to the head, brain, and eyes. The target population includes patient with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA; temporal arteritis).

What is being tested

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (diagnostic test)

Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania · Participants: 400 · Started: Jul 29, 2020

Contact the study team

• Brenda Hernandez-Romero, B.S · Phone: 917-548-2067

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05865054

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Giant Cell Arteritis

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.