Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity and Vascular Inflammation using [18-F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (FDG-PET/CT)
10:02

Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity and Vascular Inflammation using [18-F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (FDG-PET/CT)

Published on: May 2, 2012

The complementary roles of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT for imaging of carotid

Claudia Calcagno1, Sarayu Ramachandran, David Izquierdo-Garcia

  • 1Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1234, New York, NY, 10029, USA.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
|August 15, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found a weak inverse relationship between inflammation (measured by FDG PET) and plaque perfusion (measured by DCE-MRI) in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. These imaging techniques may complement each other in identifying high-risk cardiovascular patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Atherosclerosis Research
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic plaque inflammation and neovascularization are critical indicators of severe cardiovascular events.
  • Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) quantifies plaque neovascularization, while (18)F-FDG PET measures inflammatory infiltrate.
  • The combined role of these techniques in assessing plaque vulnerability requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between DCE-MRI and (18)F-FDG PET data in carotid arteries of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) or equivalent risk.
  • To explore the correlation between plaque neovascularization (DCE-MRI) and inflammation (FDG PET).
  • To assess secondary relationships between PET data, anatomical MRI, and DCE-MRI data.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of baseline data from the dal-PLAQUE trial, including anatomical MRI, DCE-MRI, and (18)F-FDG PET.
  • Focus on 40 subjects with CHD or CHD risk equivalent.
  • Correlation analysis using a mixed linear model to evaluate relationships between imaging metrics.

Main Results:

  • A significant, weak inverse relationship was observed between DCE-MRI perfusion indices and (18)F-FDG uptake.
  • Significant correlations were found between plaque burden (anatomical MRI) and both DCE-MRI perfusion and (18)F-FDG uptake.
  • No significant relationship was identified between plaque composition (anatomical MRI) and DCE-MRI or (18)F-FDG PET metrics.

Conclusions:

  • A weak inverse relationship exists between plaque inflammation (FDG PET) and microvascularization (DCE-MRI).
  • These findings suggest a complex interplay between inflammation and neovascularization throughout plaque development.
  • (18)F-FDG PET and DCE-MRI may offer complementary roles in identifying patients at high risk for cardiovascular events.

More Related Videos

Simultaneous PET/MRI Imaging During Mouse Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia10:35

Simultaneous PET/MRI Imaging During Mouse Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

Published on: September 20, 2015

MRI and PET in Mouse Models of Myocardial Infarction10:46

MRI and PET in Mouse Models of Myocardial Infarction

Published on: December 19, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Positron Emission Tomography01:29

Positron Emission Tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique involving radiopharmaceuticals — substances that emit short-lived radiation. Although the first PET scanner was introduced in 1961, it took 15 more years before radiopharmaceuticals were combined with the technique and revolutionized its potential.
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy01:25

Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that provides crucial insights into the body's physiological functions at a molecular level. It is an indispensable resource for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various illnesses, notably cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Fundamental Principles of PET