title: Detection and Quantification of Molecular Calcification by PET/Computed Tomography: A New Paradigm in Assessing Atherosclerosis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Babak
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Saboury
authors.forename: Pouya
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ziai
authors.forename: Abass
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alavi