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High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 29, 2011
Fibroblast activation protein imaging in atrial fibrillation: a proof-of-concept study
Lina Li1, Jie Gao2, Bi-Xi Chen1
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8th Gongtinanlu Rd, Beijing, 100020, China.
Background:
To evaluate the feasibility of using radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT imaging to assess activated fibroblasts in the atria of individuals with AF and to identify factors contributing to enhanced atrial activity.
Methods:
We constructed left atrial appendage (LAA) pacing beagle dog AF models (n = 5) and conducted 18F-FAPI PET/CT imaging at baseline and eight weeks after pacing. Right atrial (RA) specimens were collected from these models. Additionally, 28 AF patients and ten age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers underwent 18F-FAPI PET/CT imaging.
Results:
RA of AF beagles showed increased 18F-FAPI uptake. Among AF patients, 18 out of 28 (64.3%) exhibited enhanced atrial FAPI activity. No atrial 18F-FAPI uptake was observed in the sham beagle and healthy volunteers. In animal RA specimens, 18F-FAPI activity correlated positively with FAP mRNA (r = .98, P = .002) and protein (r = .82, P = .03) levels, as well as collagen I mRNA expression (r = .85, P = .02). B-type natriuretic peptide levels were associated with atrial 18F-FAPI activity (OR = 3.01, P = .046).
Conclusion:
This proof-of-concept study suggests that 18F-FAPI PET/CT imaging may be a feasible method for evaluating activated fibroblasts in the atria of AF patients.
