Molecular imaging of the atherosclerotic plaque using positron emission tomography

• Published in: The Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Vol. 44; no. 2; pp. 139 - 145
• Main Authors: Toor, I S, Dweck, M R, Newby, D E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland 2014
• Subjects: Fluorine Radioisotopes; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Molecular Imaging; Plaque, Atherosclerotic - diagnosis; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sodium Fluoride; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; inflammation; vulnerable plaque; angiogenesis; micro-calcification positron emission tomography
• ISSN: 1478-2715; 2042-8189
• DOI: 10.4997/JRCPE.2014.212

Accurately assessing an individual's risk of myocardial infarction or stroke using currently available risk stratification tools remains a challenge, even in patients with symptomatic disease. Inflammation, micro-calcification and intra-plaque angiogenesis occur during the development and ultimate rupture of vulnerable plaques. Molecular imaging techniques such as combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) offer the opportunity to target these key cellular processes within atheroma and identify high-risk lesions. In this review we will set out the studies that have demonstrated the feasibility of PET/CT imaging in assessing atherosclerotic plaque inflammation, micro-calcification and angiogenesis. We will also discuss the potential of PET/CT molecular imaging as both a screening tool for novel therapeutic interventions and as a means of improving cardiovascular risk stratification.