Molecular imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Serious cardiovascular events remain a leading cause of global mortality despite prevention efforts.
• Identifying patients with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques is a critical clinical challenge.
• Morphological criteria are assessed by imaging techniques like MRI and CT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review noninvasive scintigraphic techniques for detecting functional aspects of atherosclerotic plaques.
• To explore the use of various radiolabeled tracers for plaque imaging.
• To assess the potential of these methods in identifying high-risk patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on plaque imaging.
• Utilizing scintigraphy with radiolabeled molecules targeting plaque biology.
• Investigating tracers such as labeled lipoproteins, coagulation factors, cytokines, metalloproteinase mediators, adhesion receptors, and cells.

Main Results:

• Noninvasive scintigraphy visualizes the biologic activity of atherosclerotic plaques.
• Various radiolabeled tracers have been explored for their efficacy in plaque detection.
• Studies range from basic science to early clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• Scintigraphic techniques offer a functional assessment of atherosclerotic plaques, complementing morphological imaging.
• Radiolabeled tracers hold promise for identifying vulnerable plaques and guiding patient management.
• Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize these diagnostic tools.