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New Molecular Imaging Strategies to Detect Inflammation in the Vulnerable Plaque

  • Molecular Imaging (J Wu and P Nguyen, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

Inflammation is an essential component of atherosclerosis and is intimately linked with plaque destabilization. Recent trials showed that therapies directed at inhibiting the systemic inflammatory cascade reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Hence, accurate molecular imaging of inflammation may help us identify patients for whom targeted therapies could be maximally effective.

Recent findings

Numerous probes have been developed to detect different inflammatory components of atherosclerosis. Although 18F-deoxyglucose has been in use for a long time, new tracers such as 18F-sodium and 67Ga-dotatate have shown greater specificity for coronary artery lesions and have preferentially localized in unstable plaques.

Summary

Despite recent progress, clear evidence that imaging of inflammation within atherosclerotic lesions translates into optimization of treatment and reduction of events is still missing. Imaging research will continue to attempt to deliver precision care to patients in greater need.

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Funding

Dr. Paolo Raggi is supported by a research fund from the University Hospital Foundation (RES0024631), and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada (RES0016825).

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  1. University of Alberta, 11220 83rd Avenue, Suite 5A9-014, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada

    Paolo Raggi

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Raggi, P. New Molecular Imaging Strategies to Detect Inflammation in the Vulnerable Plaque. Curr Cardiovasc Imaging Rep 12, 20 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12410-019-9499-z

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