Evaluation of aortic 18F-NaF tracer uptake using PET/CT asa predictor of aortic calcification in postmenopausal women: A longitudinalstudy

摘要

IntroductionAortic calcification as detected by computed tomography is associated witharterial stiffening and is an important predictor of cardiovascularmorbidity and mortality. Uptake of ~(18)F-sodium fluoride(~(18)F-NaF) in the aortic wall reflects metabolically activeareas of calcification. The aim of this study was to determine if~(18)F-NaF uptake in the aorta is associated with calcificationand progression of calcification as detected by computed tomography.MethodsTwenty-one postmenopausal women (mean age 62?±?6 years) underwent assessmentof aortic ~(18)F-NaF uptake using positron emissiontomography/computer tomography at baseline and a repeat computed tomographyscan after a mean follow-up of 3.8?±?1.3 years. Tracer uptake was quantifiedby calculating the target-to-background (TBR) ratios at baseline andfollow-up. Calcification was assessed at baseline and follow-up usingcomputed tomography.ResultsOver the follow-up period, aortic calcium volume increased from 0.46?±?0.62to 0.71?±?0.93?cm~(3) ( P ?