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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Published in:

01-04-2014 | Review Article

Molecular imaging of brown adipose tissue in health and disease

Authors: Matthias Bauwens, Roel Wierts, Bart van Royen, Jan Bucerius, Walter Backes, Felix Mottaghy, Boudewijn Brans

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 4/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has transformed from an interfering tissue in oncological ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) to an independent imaging research field. This review takes the perspective from the imaging methodology on which human BAT research has come to rely on heavily.

Methods

This review analyses relevant PubMed-indexed publications that discuss molecular imaging methods of BAT. In addition, reported links between BAT and human diseases such as obesity are discussed, and the possibilities for imaging in these fields are highlighted. Radiopharmaceuticals aiming at several different biological mechanisms of BAT are discussed and evaluated.

Results

Prospective, dedicated studies allow visualization of BAT function in a high percentage of human subjects. BAT dysfunction has been implicated in obesity, linked with diabetes and associated with cachexia and atherosclerosis. Presently, ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is the most useful tool for evaluating therapies aiming at BAT activity. In addition to ¹⁸F-FDG, other radiopharmaceuticals such as ^99mTc-sestamibi, ¹²³I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), ¹⁸F-fluorodopa and ¹⁸F-14(R,S)-[¹⁸F]fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid (FTHA) may have a potential for visualizing other aspects of BAT activity. MRI methods are under continuous development and provide the prospect of functional imaging without ionizing radiation.

Conclusion

Molecular imaging of BAT can be used to quantitatively assess different aspects of BAT metabolic activity.

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Title: Molecular imaging of brown adipose tissue in health and disease
Authors: Matthias Bauwens
Roel Wierts
Bart van Royen
Jan Bucerius
Walter Backes
Felix Mottaghy
Boudewijn Brans
Publication date: 01-04-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-013-2611-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Molecular imaging of brown adipose tissue in health and disease

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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