Detection and quantification of molecular calcification by PET/computed tomography: A new paradigm in assessing atherosclerosis

摘要

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the leading cause of acute coronary syndrome. Molecular calcification represent as one of the early stages of plaque evolution has been hypothesized to play a potential role in atherosclerotic plaque instability and subsequent rupture. Several invasive and non-invasive structural imaging techniques have been utilized to diagnose atherosclerosis, but none of these methods are capable of detecting and quantifying molecular calcification. Fluorine-18-Sodium Fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging allows detection and quantification of arterial molecular calcification in heart and across multiple vessels. In this review the authors discuss the feasibility, application and potential future of 18F-NaF-PET/CT in detecting molecular calcification and in defining the future risk of atherosclerotic plaque rupture in the affected vessels.