![Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity and Vascular Inflammation using [18-F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography FDG-PET/CT](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F3777.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
PET/MR Imaging in Vascular Disease: Atherosclerosis and Inflammation
Rasmus Sejersten Ripa1, Sune Folke Pedersen1, Andreas Kjær1
1Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, KF-4012, Rigshosptialet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
Abstract:
For imaging of atherosclerotic disease, lumenography using computed tomography, ultrasonography, or invasive angiography is still the backbone of evaluation. However, these methods are less effective to predict the likelihood of future thromboembolic events caused by vulnerability of plaques. PET and MR imaging have been used separately with success for plaque characterization. Where MR imaging has the ability to reveal plaque composition, PET has the ability to visualize plaque activity. Together this leads to a comprehensive evaluation of plaque vulnerability. In this review, the authors go through data and arguments that support increased use of PET/MR imaging in atherosclerotic imaging.
Insights
Combining PET and MR imaging offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, improving prediction of future thromboembolic events beyond traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Molecular Imaging
- Radiology
Background:
- Current imaging methods like CT and angiography are limited in predicting plaque vulnerability and thromboembolic events.
- Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques pose a significant risk for future cardiovascular events.
- Separate use of PET and MR imaging has shown success in plaque characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the data supporting the combined use of PET/MR imaging for atherosclerotic plaque evaluation.
- To highlight the complementary roles of PET and MR imaging in assessing plaque vulnerability.
- To advocate for increased utilization of integrated PET/MR imaging in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PET imaging, MR imaging, and combined PET/MR imaging in atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of data demonstrating the capabilities of each modality in plaque characterization.
- Synthesis of arguments for the synergistic benefits of combining PET and MR imaging.
Main Results:
- MR imaging excels at revealing plaque composition (e.g., lipid core, fibrous cap).
- PET imaging visualizes plaque activity (e.g., inflammation, cellular metabolism).
- Combined PET/MR imaging provides a comprehensive assessment of plaque vulnerability.
Conclusions:
- Integrated PET/MR imaging offers superior insights into plaque vulnerability compared to individual modalities.
- This combined approach can enhance the prediction of thromboembolic events in patients with atherosclerotic disease.
- Increased adoption of PET/MR imaging is recommended for comprehensive atherosclerotic disease assessment.
More Related Videos
08:43Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
09:43In vivo Near Infrared Fluorescence NIRF Intravascular Molecular Imaging of Inflammatory Plaque, a Multimodal Approach to Imaging of Atherosclerosis
Published on: August 4, 2011
Related Concept Videos
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:19Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...