Translational Coronary Atherosclerosis Imaging with PET

Although still in its infancy, coronary atherosclerosis imaging with PET holds promise in improving understanding of the pathophysiologic processes that underlie plaque progression and adverse cardiovascular events. Fludeoxyglucose F 18 offers the potential to measure inflammatory activity within the plaque itself whereas fluoride F 18 allows detection of microcalcification, both of which are key characteristics of plaques at risk of rupture. Further work is required to improve these imaging techniques and to assess their ability to predict cardiac events prospectively.