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Vascular MRI Evaluation in Giant Cell Arteritis (VEGA)

Key facts

Who runs it
University of Pennsylvania
Where
Philadelphia and Rochester, United StatesSee the 2 sitesAlso in 2 other countries, 2 sites
Trial code
Status
Recruiting
People taking part
400 people, planned
Started
29 Jul 2020
Expected to end
Jul 2033
Type of study
Observational, 3 groups
Treatments tested
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Record updated
25 September 2026

Who can take part

Age
50 years and older
Sex
Women and men
Healthy volunteers
Can take part

The registry criteria, word for word

Show all 7 criteriaShow less

Who can take part

  • 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

Who cannot take part

  • 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)

Where in United States

Also in 2 other countries, 2 sites

  • 3400 Civic Center BlvdPhiladelphia, United StatesContact: Brenda Hernandez-Romero, B.STaking people
  • Mayo Building and Gonda BuildingRochester, United StatesContact: Jennifer SlettenTaking people

About the trial

What the trial wants to find out

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).

The 3 groups in the trial

  • Ocular GCA

    GCA with clinical diagnosis of ischemic optic neuropathy or other ocular condition

    Treatment: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

  • Non-Ocular GCA

    GCA without ocular manifestations

    Treatment: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

  • Non-GCA

    Initially suspected to have GCA but final clinical diagnosis not GCA

    Treatment: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Questions to ask the study team

  1. How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
  2. Are travel costs paid?
  3. Can I keep my own doctor?
  4. What happens if I want to stop?

Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations

Print a page for my doctor

Data and sources

Registry record
Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Official title
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
Record updated
25 September 2026