New Molecular Imaging Strategies to Detect Inflammation in the Vulnerable Plaque

AbstractPurpose of reviewInflammation 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 findingsNumerous probes have been developed to detect different inflammatory components of atherosclerosis. Although18F-deoxyglucose has been in use for a long time, new tracers such as18F-sodium and67Ga-dotatate have shown greater specificity for coronary artery lesions and have preferentially localized in unstable plaques.SummaryDespite 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.
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - Category: Radiology Source Type: research