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Updated: Jun 9, 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

FDG-PET/CT for cardiovascular disease: A systems-level imaging framework linking inflammation, metabolism, and neural

Nobuhiro Tahara1, Atsuko Tahara1, Akihiro Honda1

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan.

Journal of Cardiology
|June 7, 2026
PubMed

Insights

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) offers a systems-level view of Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) by assessing inflammation across multiple organs. This imaging approach aids in risk stratification and personalizing therapies for ACVD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Inflammatory Diseases
  • Molecular Imaging

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) is a complex chronic inflammatory disorder.
  • Conventional imaging lacks insight into ACVD's inflammatory activity.
  • A systems-level perspective is needed for understanding ACVD pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) in assessing multi-organ inflammation in ACVD.
  • To highlight FDG-PET/CT's potential in risk stratification and personalized therapy.
  • To discuss FDG-PET/CT as a tool for monitoring therapeutic responses.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizes 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) for noninvasive assessment.
  • Evaluates metabolic activity associated with inflammation in vivo.
  • Examines inflammatory processes in vascular plaques, adipose tissue, hematopoietic organs, and neural circuits.

Main Results:

  • Increased FDG uptake in various tissues correlates with cardiovascular risk and plaque instability.
  • FDG-PET/CT provides quantitative assessment of inflammation.
  • FDG-PET/CT enables simultaneous evaluation of systemic inflammatory processes.

Conclusions:

  • FDG-PET/CT offers a systems-level imaging framework for ACVD.
  • This modality can improve risk stratification and guide personalized therapeutic strategies.
  • FDG-PET/CT is valuable for monitoring anti-inflammatory treatment effects.

Keywords:
Adipose inflammationAmygdalar activityAtherosclerosisVascular inflammationVulnerable plaque

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