In this episode of Around the Rheum, hosts Daniel Ennis and Janet Pope welcome Alison Clifford, a rheumatologist specializing in large-vessel vasculitis (LVV), particularly giant cell arteritis (GCA). Recorded live at the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA)'s 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Calgary, the discussion delves into Dr. Clifford's research on LVV, the use of new radiotracers, and the complexities of diagnosing and managing LVV. The conversation also covers the challenges of distinguishing vasculitis from other conditions, the importance of inter-professional collaboration, and strategies for long-term monitoring and treatment of patients with LVV. The episode concludes on the need for more evidence in this challenging area of medicine! Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Dr. Alison Clifford is a rheumatologist and associate professor in the faculty of medicine at the University of Alberta. She has a research and clinical focus on Vasculitis, particularly giant cell arteritis. And she is an associate member of CanVasc.

If you have questions you would like answered or guest suggestions, please get in touch through the CRA social media accounts or by email: [email protected]. 

A special thank you to the podcast team, Dr. Dax G. Rumsey (CRA Communications Committee Chair), Dr. Daniel Ennis (Host), Dr. Janet Pope (Co-Host), David McGuffin (Producer, ExploreProductions.ca), and Erin Stewart (Marketing and Communications Director, CRA) for leading production. Our theme music was composed by Aaron Fontwell. For more on the work of the Canadian Rheumatology Association, visit www.rheum.ca