title: [From myocardium to the atherosclerotic plaque: new perspectives in cardiologic imaging].
abstract: Molecular imaging is an innovative and promising approach in cardiology for functional characterization of atherosclerosis. Nuclear, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging have been used for assessment of atherosclerosis of large and small arteries in several clinical and experimental studies. Positron Emission Tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose can measure metabolic activity and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques, identifying individuals at risk of future cardiovascular events. Magnetic resonance imaging can quantify carotid artery inflammation using iron oxide nanoparticles as contrast agent. In addition, macrophage accumulation of iron particles in atherosclerotic plaques may allow monitoring of inflammation during drug therapy, whereas contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging may detect plaque neovascularization. Currently, technical factors, including cardiac and diaphragmatic motion and small size of coronary vessels, limit routine application of these techniques for coronary imaging. Purpose of this review is to describe state of the art and potential areas of clinical applications of molecular imaging of atherosclerosis.
authors: Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica, Scienze Cardiovascolari ed Immunologiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Italy.
authors: Paola
authors: P
authors: Gargiulo
authors: Carmen
authors: C
authors: D'Amore
authors: Santo
authors: S
authors: Dellegrottaglie
authors: Dario
authors: D
authors: Leosco
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Rengo
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Musella
authors: Elisabetta
authors: E
authors: Pirozzi
authors: Susanna
authors: S
authors: Mosca
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Casaretti
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Formisano
authors: Ada
authors: A
authors: Bologna
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Parente
authors: Sirio
authors: S
authors: Conte
authors: Pasquale
authors: P
authors: Perrone-Filardi
mesh_terms: D002309:Cardiology / Q000639:trends*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003911:Dextrans; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000639:trends; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000639:trends; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000639:trends*; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000639:trends; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D003911:Dextrans; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; C065507:ferumoxides