Role of FDG PET/CT in investigating the mechanisms underlying atherosclerotic plaque formation and evolution

• Published in: Revista Española de medicina nuclear e imagen molecular (English ed.) Vol. 32; no. 4; pp. 246 - 252
• Main Authors: Marzola, M.C, Saboury, B, Chondrogiannis, S, Rampin, L, Grassetto, G, Ferretti, A, Alavi, A, Rubello, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier España 01.07.2013
• Subjects: Aterosclerosis; Atherosclerosis; Células inflamatorias; Etiology; Etiología; FDG PET/CT; FDG PET/TC; Imagen molecular; Inflammation cells; Molecular imaging; Placa estable; Placa vulnerable; Radiology; Stable plaque; Vulnerable plaque; Molecular imaging; FDG PET/TC; Placa estable; Células inflamatorias; FDG PET/CT; Vulnerable plaque; Aterosclerosis; Etiology; Atherosclerosis; Inflammation cells; Stable plaque; Etiología; Imagen molecular; Placa vulnerable
• ISSN: 2253-8089; 2253-8089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.remnie.2013.07.011

Abstract This review article is focused on the role of FDG-PET/CT in visualizing atherosclerosis and on the relevance of inflammatory cells such as macrophages and T-lymphocytes in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque. The vulnerability of the inflammatory plaque and the risk derived from the provocation of cardio- and cerebrovascular incidents independently from the presence of stenotic vessels are discussed as well as the evolution toward calcified plaque. The important role of FDG-PET/CT in early diagnosis of inflammatory plaque is discussed in both animal studies and in clinical setting. The possibility of curing inflammatory plaques, type of drugs, and the possibility of monitoring the anti-inflammatory treatment by FDG-PET/CT are also discussed.