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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Published in:

01-01-2009 | Review Article

Emerging role of FDG-PET/CT in assessing atherosclerosis in large arteries

Authors: Wengen Chen, Gonca G. Bural, Drew A. Torigian, Daniel J. Rader, Abass Alavi

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a dynamic inflammatory disorder. The biological composition and inflammatory state of an atherosclerotic plaque, rather than the degree of stenosis or its size are the major determinants of acute clinical events. A noninvasive technique to detect vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque is critically needed. FDG-PET/CT, a combined functional and structural whole-body imaging modality, holds great potential for this purpose. FDG uptake in large arteries has been frequently observed and is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. FDG accumulates in plaque macrophages and uptake is correlated with macrophage density. It is known that vascular FDG uptake and calcification do not overlap significantly and changes of FDG uptake are common, suggesting that FDG uptake may represent a dynamic inflammatory process. It has been reported that vascular FDG uptake can be attenuated by simvastatin in patients, and by the antiinflammatory drug probucol in rabbits. Vascular FDG uptake has been linked to cardiovascular events in some preliminary studies. Data from basic sciences, and animal and clinical studies support the emerging role of FDG-PET/CT in assessing atherosclerosis in large arteries in humans.

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Title: Emerging role of FDG-PET/CT in assessing atherosclerosis in large arteries
Authors: Wengen Chen
Gonca G. Bural
Drew A. Torigian
Daniel J. Rader
Abass Alavi
Publication date: 01-01-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-008-0947-2

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Emerging role of FDG-PET/CT in assessing atherosclerosis in large arteries

Abstract

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