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Lieverse TGF, van Praagh GD, Mulder DJ, Lambers Heerspink HJ, Wolterink JM, Slart RHJA. Quantitative aortic Na[ 18F]F positron emission tomography computed tomography as a tool to associate vascular calcification with major adverse cardiovascular events. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024:10.1007/s00259-024-06901-9. [PMID: 39297960 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06901-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sodium[18F]fluoride (Na[18F]F) used in positron emission tomography (PET) binds to active calcification and correlates consistently with higher cardiovascular risk. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of aortic Na[18F]F-PET in hybrid combination with low-dose computed tomography (CT) as a risk model for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). METHODS Patient data and Na[18F]F-PET/CT scans from January 2019 to February 2022 were retrospectively collected at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), the Netherlands. MACE-outcome was a composite of time to first documented myocardial infarction, cerebral vascular accident (CVA), acute heart failure hospitalization, and aortic aneurysms. MACE dates were recorded from the day of the scan until follow-up in December 2023. The aorta was manually segmented in all low-dose CT scans. To minimize spill-over effects from the vertebrae, the vertebrae were automatically segmented using an open-source model, dilated with 10 mm, and subtracted from the aortic mask. The total aortic Na[18F]F corrected maximum standardized uptake value (cSUVmax) and total aortic Agatston score were automatically calculated using SEQUOIA. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression survival analysis were performed, stratifying patients into high, medium, and low cSUVmax and Agatston categories. Cox regression models were adjusted for age. RESULTS Out of 280 identified scans, 216 scans of unique patients were included. During a median follow-up of 3.9 years, 12 MACE occurred. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a significant difference in MACE-free survival among the high cSUVmax group compared to the medium and low groups (p = 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively). Similarly, patients with high Agatston scores had a significantly lower MACE-free survival probability compared to those with medium and low scores (both p < 0.01). CONCLUSION This study highlights the potential clinical utility of Na[18F]F-PET/CT as an imaging tool to predict the risk of MACE. Clinical validation of this novel proof-of-concept method is needed to confirm these results and expand the clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G F Lieverse
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - G D van Praagh
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - D J Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Vascular Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - H J Lambers Heerspink
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J M Wolterink
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Technical Medical Center, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - R H J A Slart
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Photonic Imaging, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Sheppard AJ, Theng EH, Paravastu SS, Wojnowski NM, Farhadi F, Morris MA, Hartley IR, Rachel IG, Roszko KL, Collins MT, Saboury B. Spatial Atlas for Mapping Vascular Microcalcification Using 18F-NaF PET/CT: Application in Hyperphosphatemic Familial Tumoral Calcinosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1432-1446. [PMID: 38660800 PMCID: PMC11111330 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular calcification causes significant morbidity and occurs frequently in diseases of calcium/phosphate imbalance. Radiolabeled sodium fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography has emerged as a sensitive and specific method for detecting and quantifying active microcalcifications. We developed a novel technique to quantify and map total vasculature microcalcification to a common space, allowing simultaneous assessment of global disease burden and precise tracking of site-specific microcalcifications across time and individuals. METHODS To develop this technique, 4 patients with hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis, a monogenic disorder of FGF23 (fibroblast growth factor-23) deficiency with a high prevalence of vascular calcification, underwent radiolabeled sodium fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging. One patient received serial imaging 1 year after treatment with an IL-1 (interleukin-1) antagonist. A radiolabeled sodium fluoride-based microcalcification score, as well as calcification volume, was computed at all perpendicular slices, which were then mapped onto a standardized vascular atlas. Segment-wise mCSmean and mCSmax were computed to compare microcalcification score levels at predefined vascular segments within subjects. RESULTS Patients with hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis had notable peaks in microcalcification score near the aortic bifurcation and distal femoral arteries, compared with a control subject who had uniform distribution of vascular radiolabeled sodium fluoride uptake. This technique also identified microcalcification in a 17-year-old patient, who had no computed tomography-defined calcification. This technique could not only detect a decrease in microcalcification score throughout the patient treated with an IL-1 antagonist but it also identified anatomic areas that had increased responsiveness while there was no change in computed tomography-defined macrocalcification after treatment. CONCLUSIONS This technique affords the ability to visualize spatial patterns of the active microcalcification process in the peripheral vasculature. Further, this technique affords the ability to track microcalcifications at precise locations not only across time but also across subjects. This technique is readily adaptable to other diseases of vascular calcification and may represent a significant advance in the field of vascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Sheppard
- National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA, 71103
| | - Elizabeth H Theng
- National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892
- Department of Radiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94304
| | - Sriram S Paravastu
- National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892
- University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, 64108
| | - Natalia M Wojnowski
- National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611
| | - Faraz Farhadi
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, 03755
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Iris R Hartley
- National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892
| | - I Gafni Rachel
- National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892
| | - Kelly L Roszko
- National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892
| | - Michael T Collins
- National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892
| | - Babak Saboury
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Chen M, Neverova N, Xu S, Suwannaphoom K, Lluri G, Tamboline M, Duarte S, Fishbein MC, Luo Y, Packard RRS. Invasive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with phase delay for experimental atherosclerosis phenotyping. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23700. [PMID: 38787606 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302544rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Distinguishing quiescent from rupture-prone atherosclerotic lesions has significant translational and clinical implications. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) characterizes biological tissues by assessing impedance and phase delay responses to alternating current at multiple frequencies. We evaluated invasive 6-point stretchable EIS sensors over a spectrum of experimental atherosclerosis and compared results with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), molecular positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and histology. Male New Zealand White rabbits (n = 16) were placed on a high-fat diet, with or without endothelial denudation via balloon injury of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. Rabbits underwent in vivo micro-PET imaging of the abdominal aorta with 68Ga-DOTATATE, 18F-NaF, and 18F-FDG, followed by invasive interrogation via IVUS and EIS. Background signal-corrected values of impedance and phase delay were determined. Abdominal aortic samples were collected for histology. Analyses were performed blindly. EIS impedance was associated with markers of plaque activity including macrophage infiltration (r = .813, p = .008) and macrophage/smooth muscle cell (SMC) ratio (r = .813, p = .026). Moreover, EIS phase delay correlated with anatomic markers of plaque burden, namely intima/media ratio (r = .883, p = .004) and %stenosis (r = .901, p = .002), similar to IVUS. 68Ga-DOTATATE correlated with intimal macrophage infiltration (r = .861, p = .003) and macrophage/SMC ratio (r = .831, p = .021), 18F-NaF with SMC infiltration (r = -.842, p = .018), and 18F-FDG correlated with macrophage/SMC ratio (r = .787, p = .036). EIS with phase delay integrates key atherosclerosis features that otherwise require multiple complementary invasive and non-invasive imaging approaches to capture. These findings indicate the potential of invasive EIS to comprehensively evaluate human coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Natalia Neverova
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shili Xu
- Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Krit Suwannaphoom
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gentian Lluri
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mikayla Tamboline
- Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sandra Duarte
- Division of Laboratory and Animal Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael C Fishbein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - René R Sevag Packard
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Ueda CE, Flausino Dias L, de Godoi Carneiro C, Sapienza MT, Alberto Buchpiguel C, Schiavom Duarte P. Correlation of 18F-sodium fluoride uptake and radiodensity in extraosseous metastases of medullary thyroid carcinoma. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2024; 68:e230152. [PMID: 38602746 PMCID: PMC11081049 DOI: 10.20945/2359-4292-2023-0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Objective Although 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) uptake is frequently observed in extraosseous metastases of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with calcification, itcan also occur in metastatic sites without visible calcium deposition, leading to the hypothesis that visually undetectable calcium accumulation may be responsible for this uptake. The aim of this study was to indirectly support this hypothesis by analyzing the correlation between the degree of 18F-NaF uptake and radiodensity in extraosseous MTC metastases, since calcium deposition can increase attenuation even when not visually detectable. Subjects and methods Extraosseous metastatic lesions of 15 patients with MTC were evaluated using 18F-NaF positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)and segmented by levels of standardized uptake value (SUV). The correlation between mean SUV and mean Hounsfield unit (HU) values was assessed for the entire group of segments and for two subgroups with different mean HU values. Results Very high correlations were observed between mean SUV and mean HU values for both the entire group of segments and the subgroup with a mean HU value greater than 130 (p = 0.92 and p = 0.95, respectively; p < 0.01). High correlation (p = 0.71) was also observed in the subgroup with mean HU values ranging from 20 to 130 (p < 0.01). Conclusion The findings of the present study suggest that there is an association between 18F-NaF uptake and calcium deposition in extraosseous metastasesof MTC, supporting the hypothesis that visually undetectable calcium accumulation may be responsible for 18F-NaF uptake in regions without visible calcium deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Emiko Ueda
- Divisão de Medicina Nuclear, Instituto do Câncer de São Paulo(Icesp), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Laís Flausino Dias
- Divisão de Medicina Nuclear, Instituto do Câncer de São Paulo(Icesp), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Camila de Godoi Carneiro
- Divisão de Medicina Nuclear, Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Tatit Sapienza
- Divisão de Medicina Nuclear, Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Carlos Alberto Buchpiguel
- Divisão de Medicina Nuclear, Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Paulo Schiavom Duarte
- Divisão de Medicina Nuclear, Instituto do Câncer de São Paulo(Icesp), São Paulo, SP, Brasil,
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Guimarães J, de Almeida J, Mendes PL, Ferreira MJ, Gonçalves L. Advancements in non-invasive imaging of atherosclerosis: Future perspectives. J Clin Lipidol 2024; 18:e142-e152. [PMID: 38142178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of plaques in arterial walls, leading to cardiovascular diseases and high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Non-invasive imaging techniques play a crucial role in evaluating patients with suspected or established atherosclerosis. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting the need to visualize the underlying processes of plaque progression and rupture to enhance risk stratification. This review explores recent advancements in non-invasive assessment of atherosclerosis, focusing on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear imaging. These advancements provide valuable insights into the assessment and management of atherosclerosis, potentially leading to better risk stratification and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Guimarães
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - José de Almeida
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Lázaro Mendes
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria João Ferreira
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra's University, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lino Gonçalves
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra's University, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Cunha J, Chan MV, Nkambule BB, Thibord F, Lachapelle A, Pashek RE, Vasan RS, Rong J, Benjamin EJ, Hamburg NM, Chen MH, Mitchell GF, Johnson AD. Trends among platelet function, arterial calcium, and vascular function measures. Platelets 2023; 34:2238835. [PMID: 37609998 PMCID: PMC10947606 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2023.2238835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Arterial tonometry and vascular calcification measures are useful in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. Prior studies found associations between tonometry measures, arterial calcium, and CVD risk. Activated platelets release angiopoietin-1 and other factors, which may connect vascular structure and platelet function. We analyzed arterial tonometry, platelet function, aortic, thoracic and coronary calcium, and thoracic and abdominal aorta diameters measured in the Framingham Heart Study Gen3/NOS/OMNI-2 cohorts (n = 3,429, 53.7% women, mean age 54.4 years ±9.3). Platelet reactivity in whole blood or platelet-rich plasma was assessed using 5 assays and 7 agonists. We analyzed linear mixed effects models with platelet reactivity phenotypes as outcomes, adjusting for CVD risk factors and family structure. Higher arterial calcium trended with higher platelet reactivity, whereas larger aortic diameters trended with lower platelet reactivity. Characteristic impedance (Zc) and central pulse pressure positively trended with various platelet traits, while pulse wave velocity and Zc negatively trended with collagen, ADP, and epinephrine traits. All results did not pass a stringent multiple test correction threshold (p < 2.22e-04). The diameter trends were consistent with lower shear environments invoking less platelet reactivity. The vessel calcium trends were consistent with subclinical atherosclerosis and platelet activation being inter-related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Cunha
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University and National Heart, Framingham, MA, USA
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Population Sciences Branch, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Melissa V. Chan
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University and National Heart, Framingham, MA, USA
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Population Sciences Branch, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Bongani B. Nkambule
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University and National Heart, Framingham, MA, USA
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Population Sciences Branch, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Florian Thibord
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University and National Heart, Framingham, MA, USA
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Population Sciences Branch, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Amber Lachapelle
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University and National Heart, Framingham, MA, USA
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Population Sciences Branch, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Robin E. Pashek
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University and National Heart, Framingham, MA, USA
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Population Sciences Branch, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Ramachandran S. Vasan
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University and National Heart, Framingham, MA, USA
- Cardiology and Preventive Medicine Sections, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Schools of Public Health and Medicine, Departments of Population Health and Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jian Rong
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University and National Heart, Framingham, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emelia J. Benjamin
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University and National Heart, Framingham, MA, USA
- Cardiology and Preventive Medicine Sections, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naomi M. Hamburg
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ming-Huei Chen
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University and National Heart, Framingham, MA, USA
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Population Sciences Branch, Framingham, MA, USA
| | | | - Andrew D. Johnson
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University and National Heart, Framingham, MA, USA
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Population Sciences Branch, Framingham, MA, USA
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Patil S, Teichner EM, Subtirelu RC, Parikh C, Al-Daoud O, Ismoilov M, Werner T, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A. Bilateral Carotid Artery Molecular Calcification Assessed by [ 18F] Fluoride PET/CT: Correlation with Cardiovascular and Thromboembolic Risk Factors. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2070. [PMID: 37895451 PMCID: PMC10608649 DOI: 10.3390/life13102070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, involves inflammatory processes that result in plaque formation and calcification. The early detection of the molecular changes underlying these processes is crucial for effective disease management. This study utilized positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with [18F] sodium fluoride (NaF) as a tracer to visualize active calcification and inflammation at the molecular level. Our aim was to investigate the association between cardiovascular risk factors and [18F] NaF uptake in the left and right common carotid arteries (LCC and RCC). A cohort of 102 subjects, comprising both at-risk individuals and healthy controls, underwent [18F] NaF PET/CT imaging. The results revealed significant correlations between [18F] NaF uptake and cardiovascular risk factors such as age (β = 0.005, 95% CI 0.003-0.008, p < 0.01 in LCC and β = 0.006, 95% CI 0.004-0.009, p < 0.01 in RCC), male gender (β = -0.08, 95% CI -0.173--0.002, p = 0.04 in LCC and β = -0.13, 95% CI -0.21--0.06, p < 0.01 in RCC), BMI (β = 0.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.03, p < 0.01 in LCC and β = 0.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.03, p < 0.01 in RCC), fibrinogen (β = 0.006, 95% CI 0.0009-0.01, p = 0.02 in LCC and β = 0.005, 95% CI 0.001-0.01, p = 0.01), HDL cholesterol (β = 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.21, p < 0.01 in RCC only), and CRP (β = -0.01, 95% CI -0.02-0.001, p = 0.03 in RCC only). Subjects at risk showed a higher [18F] NaF uptake compared to healthy controls (one-way ANOVA; p = 0.02 in LCC and p = 0.04 in RCC), and uptake increased with estimated cardiovascular risk (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.01 in LCC only). These findings underscore the potential of [18F] NaF PET/CT as a sensitive tool for the early detection of atherosclerotic plaque, assessment of cardiovascular risk, and monitoring of disease progression. Further research is needed to validate the technique's predictive value and its potential impact on clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Patil
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (S.P.); (E.M.T.); (C.P.)
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 390111, USA; (R.C.S.); (O.A.-D.); (M.I.); (T.W.)
| | - Eric M. Teichner
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (S.P.); (E.M.T.); (C.P.)
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 390111, USA; (R.C.S.); (O.A.-D.); (M.I.); (T.W.)
| | - Robert C. Subtirelu
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 390111, USA; (R.C.S.); (O.A.-D.); (M.I.); (T.W.)
| | - Chitra Parikh
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (S.P.); (E.M.T.); (C.P.)
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 390111, USA; (R.C.S.); (O.A.-D.); (M.I.); (T.W.)
| | - Omar Al-Daoud
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 390111, USA; (R.C.S.); (O.A.-D.); (M.I.); (T.W.)
| | - Miraziz Ismoilov
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 390111, USA; (R.C.S.); (O.A.-D.); (M.I.); (T.W.)
| | - Thomas Werner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 390111, USA; (R.C.S.); (O.A.-D.); (M.I.); (T.W.)
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 390111, USA; (R.C.S.); (O.A.-D.); (M.I.); (T.W.)
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Subtirelu RC, Teichner EM, Su Y, Al-Daoud O, Patel M, Patil S, Writer M, Werner T, Revheim ME, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A. Aging and Cerebral Glucose Metabolism: 18F-FDG-PET/CT Reveals Distinct Global and Regional Metabolic Changes in Healthy Patients. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2044. [PMID: 37895426 PMCID: PMC10608490 DOI: 10.3390/life13102044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in cerebral glucose metabolism can be indicative of both normal and pathological aging processes. In this retrospective study, we evaluated global and regional neurological glucose metabolism in 73 healthy individuals (mean age: 35.8 ± 13.1 years; 82.5% female) using 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). This population exhibited a low prevalence of comorbidities associated with cerebrovascular risk factors. We utilized 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging and quantitative regional analysis to assess cerebral glucose metabolism. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between age and the global standardized uptake value mean (SUVmean) of FDG uptake (p = 0.000795), indicating a decrease in whole-brain glucose metabolism with aging. Furthermore, region-specific analysis identified significant correlations in four cerebral regions, with positive correlations in the basis pontis, cerebellar hemisphere, and cerebellum and a negative correlation in the lateral orbital gyrus. These results were further confirmed via linear regression analysis. Our findings reveal a nuanced understanding of how aging affects glucose metabolism in the brain, providing insight into normal neurology. The study underscores the utility of 18F-FDG-PET/CT as a sensitive tool in monitoring these metabolic changes, highlighting its potential for the early detection of neurological diseases and disorders related to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Michael Teichner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA
| | - Yvonne Su
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Omar Al-Daoud
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Milan Patel
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shiv Patil
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA
| | - Milo Writer
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thomas Werner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mona-Elisabeth Revheim
- The Intervention Center, Division of Technology and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Problemveien 7, 0315 Oslo, Norway
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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9
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Chen M, Neverova N, Xu S, Suwannaphoom K, Lluri G, Tamboline M, Duarte S, Fishbein MC, Luo Y, Packard RRS. Flexible 3-D Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Sensors Incorporating Phase Delay for Comprehensive Characterization of Atherosclerosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.20.558681. [PMID: 37786712 PMCID: PMC10541620 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.20.558681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Distinguishing quiescent from rupture-prone atherosclerotic lesions has significant translational and clinical implications. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) characterizes biological tissues by assessing impedance and phase delay responses to alternating current at multiple frequencies.We evaluated invasive 6-point stretchable EIS sensors over a spectrum of experimental atherosclerosis and compared results with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), molecular positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and histology. Methods Male New Zealand White rabbits (n=16) were placed on a high-fat diet for 4 or 8 weeks, with or without endothelial denudation via balloon injury of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. Rabbits underwent in vivo micro-PET imaging of the abdominal aorta with 68 Ga-DOTATATE, 18 F-NaF, and 18 F-FDG, followed by invasive interrogation via IVUS and EIS. Background signal corrected values of impedance and phase delay were determined. Abdominal aortic samples were collected for histological analyses. Analyses were performed blindly. Results Phase delay correlated with anatomic markers of plaque burden, namely intima/media ratio (r=0.883 at 1 kHz, P =0.004) and %stenosis (r=0.901 at 0.25 kHz, P =0.002), similar to IVUS. Moreover, impedance was associated with markers of plaque activity including macrophage infiltration (r=0.813 at 10 kHz, P =0.008) and macrophage/smooth muscle cell (SMC) ratio (r=0.813 at 25 kHz, P =0.026). 68 Ga-DOTATATE correlated with intimal macrophage infiltration (r=0.861, P =0.003) and macrophage/SMC ratio (r=0.831, P =0.021), 18 F-NaF with SMC infiltration (r=-0.842, P =0.018), and 18 F-FDG correlated with macrophage/SMC ratio (r=0.787, P =0.036). Conclusions EIS with phase delay integrates key atherosclerosis features that otherwise require multiple complementary invasive and non-invasive imaging approaches to capture. These findings indicate the potential of invasive EIS as a comprehensive modality for evaluation of human coronary artery disease. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) characterizes both anatomic features - via phase delay; and inflammatory activity - via impedance profiles, of underlying atherosclerosis.EIS can serve as an integrated, comprehensive metric for atherosclerosis evaluation by capturing morphological and compositional plaque characteristics that otherwise require multiple imaging modalities to obtain.Translation of these findings from animal models to human coronary artery disease may provide an additional strategy to help guide clinical management.
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10
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Park PSU, Jia L, Raynor WY, Gandhi OH, Park MM, Werner TJ, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A. Novel technique of detecting inflammatory and osseous changes in the glenohumeral joint associated with patient age and weight using FDG- and NaF-PET imaging. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING 2023; 13:136-146. [PMID: 37736491 PMCID: PMC10509288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The glenohumeral (GH) joint is a classic ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder subject to various pathologies including osteoarthritis (OA). Degenerative changes of the OA evident on traditional imaging are proceeded by molecular changes, which if detected early could enhance disease prevention and treatment. In this study, we use 18F-FluoroDeoxyGlucose (FDG) and 18F-sodium-fluoride (NaF)-PET/CT to investigate the effects limb laterality, age, and BMI on the inflammation and bone turnover of the GH shoulder joint. METHODS FDG and NaF-PET/CT scans of 41 females (mean age of 43.9 ± 14.2 years) and 45 males (mean age of 44.5 ± 13.8 years) were analyzed with a semi-quantitative technique based on predefined region of interest. RESULTS There was greater FDG uptake in the left side of the GH joint compared to the right in both females (left: 0.79 ± 0.17, right: 0.71 ± 0.2; P < 0.0001) and males (left: 0.76 ± 0.19, right: 0.57 ± 0.18; P < 0.0001). We also observed a strong positive association between BMI and FDG uptakes in females (left: P < 0.0001, r = 0.71, right: P < 0.0001, r = 0.58) and males (left: P < 0.0001, r = 0.56, right: P < 0.0001, r = 0.64). Association between BMI and NaF uptake were found in males as well (left: P = 0.004, r = 0.42, right: P = 0.02, r = 0.35). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the varying effect of limb laterality and BMI on FDG and NaF uptake at the GH joint. Adoption of molecular imaging will require future studies that correlate tracer uptake with relevant medical and illness history as well as degenerative change evident on traditional imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sang Uk Park
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, The United States
| | - Lori Jia
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, The United States
| | - William Y Raynor
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, The United States
| | - Om H Gandhi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, The United States
| | - Mia Mijung Park
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, The United States
| | - Thomas J Werner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, The United States
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University HospitalOdense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern DenmarkOdense, Denmark
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, The United States
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11
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Ruddy TD, Kadoya Y, Small GR. Targeting atherosclerosis with antihypertensive therapy. J Nucl Cardiol 2023; 30:1627-1629. [PMID: 37138176 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-023-03272-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Terrence D Ruddy
- Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4W7, Canada.
| | - Yoshito Kadoya
- Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4W7, Canada
| | - Gary R Small
- Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4W7, Canada
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12
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Singh SB, Ng SJ, Lau HC, Khanal K, Bhattarai S, Paudyal P, Shrestha BB, Naseer R, Sandhu S, Gokhale S, Raynor WY. Emerging PET Tracers in Cardiac Molecular Imaging. Cardiol Ther 2023; 12:85-99. [PMID: 36593382 PMCID: PMC9986170 DOI: 10.1007/s40119-022-00295-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) represent emerging PET tracers used to assess atherosclerosis-related inflammation and molecular calcification, respectively. By localizing to sites with high glucose utilization, FDG has been used to assess myocardial viability for decades, and its role in evaluating cardiac sarcoidosis has come to represent a major application. In addition to determining late-stage changes such as loss of perfusion or viability, by targeting mechanisms present in atherosclerosis, PET-based techniques have the ability to characterize atherogenesis in the early stages to guide intervention. Although it was once thought that FDG would be a reliable indicator of ongoing plaque formation, micro-calcification as portrayed by NaF-PET/CT appears to be a superior method of monitoring disease progression. PET imaging with NaF has the additional advantage of being able to determine abnormal uptake due to coronary artery disease, which is obscured by physiologic myocardial activity on FDG-PET/CT. In this review, we discuss the evolving roles of FDG, NaF, and other PET tracers in cardiac molecular imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Bhushan Singh
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sze Jia Ng
- Department of Medicine, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Upland, PA, 19013, USA
| | - Hui Chong Lau
- Department of Medicine, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Upland, PA, 19013, USA
| | - Kishor Khanal
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Memorial Healthcare System, 3501 Johnson Street, Hollywood, FL, 33021, USA
| | - Sanket Bhattarai
- Department of Medicine, KIST Medical College, Mahalaxmi 01, Lalitpur, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Pranita Paudyal
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bimash Babu Shrestha
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rizwan Naseer
- Department of Medicine, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Upland, PA, 19013, USA
| | - Simran Sandhu
- College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, 10 East College Avenue, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Saket Gokhale
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - William Y Raynor
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 1 Robert Wood Johnson Place, MEB #404, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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13
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Douhi A, Al-Enezi MS, Berrahmoune N, Khalil A, Fulop T, Nguyen M, Turcotte E, Croteau É, Bentourkia M. Non-calcified active atherosclerosis plaque detection with 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG PET/CT dynamic imaging. Phys Eng Sci Med 2023; 46:295-302. [PMID: 36715851 DOI: 10.1007/s13246-023-01218-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Arterial inflammation is an indicator of atheromatous plaque vulnerability to detach and to obstruct blood vessels in the heart or in the brain thus causing heart attack or stroke. To date, it is difficult to predict the plaque vulnerability. This study was aimed to assess the behavior of 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake in the aorta and iliac arteries as a function of plaque density on CT images. We report metabolically active artery plaques associated to inflammation in the absence of calcification. 18 elderly volunteers were recruited and imaged with computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG. A total of 1338 arterial segments were analyzed, 766 were non-calcified and 572 had calcifications. For both 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG, the mean SUV values were found statistically significantly different between non-calcified and calcified artery segments. Clustering CT non-calcified segments, excluding blood, resulted in two clusters C1 and C2 with a mean density of 30.63 ± 5.06 HU in C1 and 43.06 ± 4.71 HU in C2 (P < 0.05), and their respective SUV were found statistically different in 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG. The 18F-NaF images showed plaques not detected on CT images, where the 18F-FDG SUV values were high in comparison to artery walls without plaques. The density on CT images alone corresponding to these plaques could be further investigated to see whether it can be an indicator of the active plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelillah Douhi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Mamdouh S Al-Enezi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nousra Berrahmoune
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Abdelouahed Khalil
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Tamas Fulop
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Michel Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Eric Turcotte
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Étienne Croteau
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - M'hamed Bentourkia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada.
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14
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Piri R, Hamakan Y, Vang A, Edenbrandt L, Larsson M, Enqvist O, Gerke O, Høilund-Carlsen PF. Common carotid segmentation in 18 F-sodium fluoride PET/CT scans: Head-to-head comparison of artificial intelligence-based and manual method. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2023; 43:71-77. [PMID: 36331059 PMCID: PMC10100011 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotid atherosclerosis is a major cause of stroke, traditionally diagnosed late. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 18 F-sodium fluoride (NaF) detects arterial wall micro-calcification long before macro-calcification becomes detectable by ultrasound, CT or magnetic resonance imaging. However, manual PET/CT processing is time-consuming and requires experience. We compared a convolutional neural network (CNN) approach with manual segmentation of the common carotids. METHODS Segmentation in NaF-PET/CT scans of 29 healthy volunteers and 20 angina pectoris patients were compared for segmented volume (Vol) and mean, maximal, and total standardized uptake values (SUVmean, SUVmax, and SUVtotal). SUVmean was the average of SUVmeans within the VOI, SUVmax the highest SUV in all voxels in the VOI, and SUVtotal the SUVmean multiplied by the Vol of the VOI. Intra and Interobserver variability with manual segmentation was examined in 25 randomly selected scans. RESULTS Bias for Vol, SUVmean, SUVmax, and SUVtotal were 1.33 ± 2.06, -0.01 ± 0.05, 0.09 ± 0.48, and 1.18 ± 1.99 in the left and 1.89 ± 1.5, -0.07 ± 0.12, 0.05 ± 0.47, and 1.61 ± 1.47, respectively, in the right common carotid artery. Manual segmentation lasted typically 20 min versus 1 min with the CNN-based approach. Mean Vol deviation at repeat manual segmentation was 14% and 27% in left and right common carotids. CONCLUSIONS CNN-based segmentation was much faster and provided SUVmean values virtually identical to manually obtained ones, suggesting CNN-based analysis as a promising substitute of slow and cumbersome manual processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Piri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Yaran Hamakan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ask Vang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars Edenbrandt
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Physiology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Olof Enqvist
- Eigenvision AB, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Oke Gerke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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15
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De Azevedo D, Geers J, Gheysens O, Dweck M, Vancraeynest D. 18F-Sodium Fluoride PET/CT in Assessing Valvular Heart and Atherosclerotic Diseases. Semin Nucl Med 2023; 53:241-257. [PMID: 36116988 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis is the most common valvular disease in Western countries, while atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the foremost cause of death and disability worldwide. Valve degeneration and atherosclerosis are mediated by inflammation and calcification and inevitably progress over time. Computed tomography can visualise the later stages of macroscopic calcification but fails to assess the early stages of microcalcification and cannot differentiate active from burnt out disease states. Molecular imaging has the ability to provide complementary information related to disease activity, which may allow us to detect disease early, to predict disease progression and to monitor preventive or therapeutic strategies for in both aortic stenosis and atherosclerosis. PET/CT is a non-invasive imaging technique that enables visualization of ongoing molecular processes within small structures, such as the coronary arteries or heart valves. 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) binds hydroxyapatite deposits in the extracellular matrix, with preferential binding to newly developing deposits of microcalcification, which provides an assessment of calcification activity. In recent years, 18F-NaF has attracted the attention of many research groups and has been evaluated in several pathological cardiovascular processes. Histologic validation of the 18F-NaF PET signal in valvular disease and atherosclerosis has been reported in multiple independent studies. The selective high-affinity binding of 18F-NaF to microscopic calcified deposits (beyond the resolution of μCT) has been demonstrated ex vivo, as well as its ability to distinguish between areas of macro- and active microcalcification. In addition, prospective clinical studies have shown that baseline 18F-NaF uptake in patients with aortic stenosis and mitral annular calcification is correlated with subsequent calcium deposition and valvular dysfunction after a follow-up period of 2 years. In patients with surgical bioprosthetic aortic valves but without morphological criteria for prosthetic degeneration, increased 18F-NaF uptake at baseline was associated with subsequent bioprosthetic degeneration over time. Similar data were obtained in a cohort of patients with transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed the association of coronary 18F-NaF uptake with adverse atherosclerotic plaque features, active disease and future disease progression. 18F-NaF uptake is also associated with future fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction in patients with established coronary artery disease. The link between 18F-NaF uptake and active atherosclerotic disease has not only been demonstrated in the coronary arteries, but also in peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms and carotid atherosclerosis. It can be assumed that 18F-NaF PET/CT will strengthen the diagnostic toolbox of practitioners in the coming years. Indeed, there is a strong medical need to diagnose degenerative valvular disease and to detect active atherosclerotic disease states. Finally, the use of 18F-NaF as a biomarker to monitor the efficacy of drug therapies in preventing these pathological processes is attractive. In this review, we consider the role of 18F-NaF PET/CT imaging in cardiac valvular diseases and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David De Azevedo
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc, and IREC/CARD UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jolien Geers
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Chancellor's Building, Little France Crescent, Midlothian, Edinburgh, UK; Department of Cardiology, CHVZ (Centrum voor Hart en Vaatziekten), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Gheysens
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc and Institute of Clinical and Experimental Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Dweck
- Department of Cardiology, CHVZ (Centrum voor Hart en Vaatziekten), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Vancraeynest
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc, and IREC/CARD UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Delman A, Griffin MT, Werner TJ, Alavi A, Raynor WY, Revheim ME. The emerging role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the management of photon radiotherapy-induced vasculitis in head and neck cancer patients. Clin Transl Imaging 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40336-023-00541-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
While radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) has made recent strides, RT-induced vasculitis continues to adversely affect long-term patient outcomes. Guidelines for managing this complication remain scarce, supporting the need for a sensitive imaging modality in post-treatment evaluations. In this review, we discuss the current literature regarding 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF-PET) in evaluating RT-induced vasculitis in HNC patients, highlighting several arenas of evolving clinical significance: (1) early recognition and standardized evaluation of RT-induced vasculitis, and (2) potential for a multifaceted diagnostic tool to stratify cardiovascular risk in HNC patients.
Methods
Numerous databases, including, but not limited to, Google Scholar and PubMed, were utilized to compile a body of literature regarding PET imaging of RT-induced vasculitis in HNC and related malignancies.
Results
Multiple studies have established the clinical capabilities of FDG-PET/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) for detection and management of RT-induced vasculitis in HNC patients, while NaF-PET/CT remains under investigation. Inflammatory vascular stages may be best analyzed by FDG-PET/CT, while vascular microcalcification and atherosclerotic disease may be supplementally assessed by the unique properties of NaF-PET/CT. With these modalities detecting primary stages of more detrimental vascular complications, PET imaging may carry several advantages over conventional, structural techniques.
Conclusion
FDG-PET/CT and NaF-PET/CT hold significant potential as preliminary diagnostic tools in monitoring early inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque development, warranting further research and attention. Applying these techniques in this context may foster proactive and consistent assessments of RT-induced vasculitis in HNC patients, mitigating potential cardiovascular risks through better-informed treatment decisions.
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17
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Sammartino AM, Falco R, Drera A, Dondi F, Bellini P, Bertagna F, Vizzardi E. "Vascular inflammation and cardiovascular disease: review about the role of PET imaging". Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2023; 39:433-440. [PMID: 36255543 PMCID: PMC9870832 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-022-02730-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation characterizes all stages of atherothrombosis and provides a critical pathophysiological link between plaque formation and its acute rupture, leading to coronary occlusion and heart attack. In the last 20 years the possibility of quantifying the degree of inflammation of atherosclerotic plaques and, therefore, also of vascular inflammation aroused much interest. 18Fluoro-deoxy-glucose photon-emissions-tomography (18F-FDG-PET) is widely used in oncology for staging and searching metastases; in cardiology, the absorption of 18F-FDG into the arterial wall was observed for the first time incidentally in the aorta of patients undergoing PET imaging for cancer staging. PET/CT imaging with 18F-FDG and 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) has been shown to assess atherosclerotic disease in its molecular phase, when the process may still be reversible. This approach has several limitations in the clinical practice, due to lack of prospective data to justify their use routinely, but it's desirable to develop further scientific evidence to confirm this technique to detect high-risk patients for cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Maria Sammartino
- Institute of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, ASST Spedali Civili, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Falco
- Institute of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, ASST Spedali Civili, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Drera
- Institute of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, ASST Spedali Civili, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, ASST Spedali Civili Di Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pietro Bellini
- Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, ASST Spedali Civili Di Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertagna
- Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, ASST Spedali Civili Di Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enrico Vizzardi
- Institute of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, ASST Spedali Civili, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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18
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Piri R, Edenbrandt L, Larsson M, Enqvist O, Skovrup S, Iversen KK, Saboury B, Alavi A, Gerke O, Høilund-Carlsen PF. "Global" cardiac atherosclerotic burden assessed by artificial intelligence-based versus manual segmentation in 18F-sodium fluoride PET/CT scans: Head-to-head comparison. J Nucl Cardiol 2022; 29:2531-2539. [PMID: 34386861 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-021-02758-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artificial intelligence (AI) is known to provide effective means to accelerate and facilitate clinical and research processes. So in this study it was aimed to compare a AI-based method for cardiac segmentation in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans with manual segmentation to assess global cardiac atherosclerosis burden. METHODS A trained convolutional neural network (CNN) was used for cardiac segmentation in 18F-sodium fluoride PET/CT scans of 29 healthy volunteers and 20 angina pectoris patients and compared with manual segmentation. Parameters for segmented volume (Vol) and mean, maximal, and total standardized uptake values (SUVmean, SUVmax, SUVtotal) were analyzed by Bland-Altman Limits of Agreement. Repeatability with AI-based assessment of the same scans is 100%. Repeatability (same conditions, same operator) and reproducibility (same conditions, two different operators) of manual segmentation was examined by re-segmentation in 25 randomly selected scans. RESULTS Mean (± SD) values with manual vs. CNN-based segmentation were Vol 617.65 ± 154.99 mL vs 625.26 ± 153.55 mL (P = .21), SUVmean 0.69 ± 0.15 vs 0.69 ± 0.15 (P = .26), SUVmax 2.68 ± 0.86 vs 2.77 ± 1.05 (P = .34), and SUVtotal 425.51 ± 138.93 vs 427.91 ± 132.68 (P = .62). Limits of agreement were - 89.42 to 74.2, - 0.02 to 0.02, - 1.52 to 1.32, and - 68.02 to 63.21, respectively. Manual segmentation lasted typically 30 minutes vs about one minute with the CNN-based approach. The maximal deviation at manual re-segmentation was for the four parameters 0% to 0.5% with the same and 0% to 1% with different operators. CONCLUSION The CNN-based method was faster and provided values for Vol, SUVmean, SUVmax, and SUVtotal comparable to the manually obtained ones. This AI-based segmentation approach appears to offer a more reproducible and much faster substitute for slow and cumbersome manual segmentation of the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Piri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Lars Edenbrandt
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Olof Enqvist
- Eigenvision AB, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sofie Skovrup
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Kasper Karmark Iversen
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Babak Saboury
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Oke Gerke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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19
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Raynor WY, Borja AJ, Zhang V, Kothekar E, Lau HC, Ng SJ, Seraj SM, Rojulpote C, Taghvaei R, Jin KY, Werner TJ, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A, Revheim ME. Assessing Coronary Artery and Aortic Calcification in Patients with Prostate Cancer Using 18F-Sodium Fluoride PET/Computed Tomography. PET Clin 2022; 17:653-659. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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20
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Park PSU, Khurana N, Werner TJ, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A. Coupling of Inflammation and Microcalcification in the Pathogenesis of Prostate Calculi: Detection Using 18 F-NaF and 18 F-FDG PET/CT. Clin Nucl Med 2022; 47:908-909. [PMID: 35543626 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000004263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Prostatic calculi are common and usually asymptomatic calcified stones frequently found incidentally in imaging or during the evaluation of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Those associated with chronic prostatitis can lead to bacterial colonization, inflammation, and blockage of secretory ducts, resulting in pelvic pain and lower urinary tract symptoms. Although PET tracers such as 18 F-NaF and 18 F-FDG have been used to assess metastatic and benign bone disorders, their comparative avidity in the domain of extraosseous and prostate calcification remains to be fully explored. We present incidentally detected bilateral prostatic calcification in an asymptomatic 42-year-old man exhibiting coavidity of 18 F-NaF and 18 F-FDG, highlighting the molecular coupling of inflammation and microcalcification in the pathogenesis of prostate calculi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Navpreet Khurana
- From the Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
| | - Thomas J Werner
- From the Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
| | | | - Abass Alavi
- From the Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
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21
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Park PSU, McDonald E, Singh SB, Raynor WY, Werner TJ, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A. The effects of limb laterality and age on the inflammation and bone turnover of the acromioclavicular shoulder joint: 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18 F-sodium-fluoride-PET/computed tomography study. Nucl Med Commun 2022; 43:922-927. [PMID: 35634806 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a common site of injury and degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis (OA) of the shoulder. Physical manifestations of OA are preceded by molecular changes, detection of which may enhance early prophylaxis and monitoring of disease progression. In this study, we investigate the use of 18 F-FDG and 18 F-NaF-PET/CT to assess the effects of limb laterality and age on the inflammation and bone turnover of the AC shoulder joint. METHODS We analyzed FDG and NaF-PET/CT scans of 41 females (mean age of 43.9 ± 14.2 years) and 45 males (mean age of 44.5 ± 13.8 years) using a semiquantitative technique based on predefined ROI. RESULTS There was a greater NaF uptake in the right side of the AC joint compared with the left in both females (left: 2.22 ± 1.00; right: 3.08 ± 1.18; P < 0.0001) and males (left: 2.57 ± 1.49; right: 2.99 ± 1.40; P = 0.003). No consistent correlation between age and NaF or FDG uptakes were found in both females and males. There was also a positive correlation between FDG and NaF uptakes in both left ( P = 0.01; r = 0.37) and right ( P = 0.0006; r = 0.53) AC joints of male subjects. CONCLUSION Our study is the first to reveal the varying effect of right-left limb laterality and aging on FDG and NaF uptake at the AC joint. Future studies correlating the history of shoulder trauma, pain, and degenerative change with FDG and NaF-PET/CT findings will be critical in the adoption of molecular imaging in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sang Uk Park
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elysia McDonald
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shashi Bhushan Singh
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William Y Raynor
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas J Werner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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22
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Piri R, Edenbrandt L, Larsson M, Enqvist O, Nøddeskou-Fink AH, Gerke O, Høilund-Carlsen PF. Aortic wall segmentation in 18F-sodium fluoride PET/CT scans: Head-to-head comparison of artificial intelligence-based versus manual segmentation. J Nucl Cardiol 2022; 29:2001-2010. [PMID: 33982202 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-021-02649-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to establish and test an automated AI-based method for rapid segmentation of the aortic wall in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans. METHODS For segmentation of the wall in three sections: the arch, thoracic, and abdominal aorta, we developed a tool based on a convolutional neural network (CNN), available on the Research Consortium for Medical Image Analysis (RECOMIA) platform, capable of segmenting 100 different labels in CT images. It was tested on 18F-sodium fluoride PET/CT scans of 49 subjects (29 healthy controls and 20 angina pectoris patients) and compared to data obtained by manual segmentation. The following derived parameters were compared using Bland-Altman Limits of Agreement: segmented volume, and maximal, mean, and total standardized uptake values (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVtotal). The repeatability of the manual method was examined in 25 randomly selected scans. RESULTS CNN-derived values for volume, SUVmax, and SUVtotal were all slightly, i.e., 13-17%, lower than the corresponding manually obtained ones, whereas SUVmean values for the three aortic sections were virtually identical for the two methods. Manual segmentation lasted typically 1-2 hours per scan compared to about one minute with the CNN-based approach. The maximal deviation at repeat manual segmentation was 6%. CONCLUSIONS The automated CNN-based approach was much faster and provided parameters that were about 15% lower than the manually obtained values, except for SUVmean values, which were comparable. AI-based segmentation of the aorta already now appears as a trustworthy and fast alternative to slow and cumbersome manual segmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Piri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Lars Edenbrandt
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Olof Enqvist
- Eigenvision AB, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Oke Gerke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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23
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Yang W, Zhong Z, Feng G, Wang Z. Advances in positron emission tomography tracers related to vascular calcification. Ann Nucl Med 2022; 36:787-797. [PMID: 35834116 DOI: 10.1007/s12149-022-01771-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Microcalcification, a type of vascular calcification, increases the instability of plaque and easily leads to acute clinical events. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a new examination technology with significant advantages in identifying vascular calcification, especially microcalcification. The use of the 18F-NaF is undoubtedly the benchmark, and other PET tracers related to vascular calcification are also currently in development. Despite all this, a large number of studies are still needed to further clarify the specific mechanisms and characteristics. This review aimed at providing a summary of the application and progress of different PET tracers and also the future development direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Zhiqi Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Guoquan Feng
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Zhongqun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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24
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Fletcher AJ, Lembo M, Kwiecinski J, Syed MBJ, Nash J, Tzolos E, Bing R, Cadet S, MacNaught G, van Beek EJR, Moss AJ, Doris MK, Walker NL, Dey D, Adamson PD, Newby DE, Slomka PJ, Dweck MR. Quantifying microcalcification activity in the thoracic aorta. J Nucl Cardiol 2022; 29:1372-1385. [PMID: 33474695 PMCID: PMC8497049 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-020-02458-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard methods for quantifying positron emission tomography (PET) uptake in the aorta are time consuming and may not reflect overall vessel activity. We describe aortic microcalcification activity (AMA), a novel method for quantifying 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) uptake in the thoracic aorta. METHODS Twenty patients underwent two hybrid 18F-NaF PET and computed tomography (CT) scans of the thoracic aorta less than three weeks apart. AMA, as well as maximum (TBRmax) and mean (TBRmean) tissue to background ratios, were calculated by two trained operators. Intra-observer repeatability, inter-observer repeatability and scan-rescan reproducibility were assessed. Each 18F-NaF quantification method was compared to validated cardiovascular risk scores. RESULTS Aortic microcalcification activity demonstrated excellent intra-observer (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.98) and inter-observer (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.97) repeatability with very good scan-rescan reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.86) which were similar to previously described TBRmean and TBRmax methods. AMA analysis was much quicker to perform than standard TBR assessment (3.4min versus 15.1min, P<0.0001). AMA was correlated with Framingham stroke risk scores and Framingham risk score for hard cononary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS AMA is a simple, rapid and reproducible method of quantifying global 18F-NaF uptake across the ascending aorta and aortic arch that correlates with cardiovascular risk scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Fletcher
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Maria Lembo
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Jacek Kwiecinski
- Department of Interventional Cardiology and Angiology, Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maaz B J Syed
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jennifer Nash
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Evangelos Tzolos
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rong Bing
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sebastien Cadet
- Department of Imaging (Division of Nuclear Cardiology), Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Gillian MacNaught
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Imaging Facility, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Edwin J R van Beek
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Imaging Facility, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alistair J Moss
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mhairi K Doris
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Niki L Walker
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiology Service, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, Glasgow, UK
| | - Damini Dey
- Department of Imaging (Division of Nuclear Cardiology), Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Philip D Adamson
- Christchurch Heart Institute, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - David E Newby
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Piotr J Slomka
- Department of Imaging (Division of Nuclear Cardiology), Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Marc R Dweck
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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25
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Osborne MT, Abbasi TA, Zureigat H, Tawakol A. A vessel of progress: Aortic microcalcification activity for the quantification of 18F-NaF uptake in the thoracic aorta. J Nucl Cardiol 2022; 29:1386-1388. [PMID: 33619634 PMCID: PMC8483578 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-021-02557-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Osborne
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Taimur A Abbasi
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hadil Zureigat
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmed Tawakol
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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26
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Positron Emission Tomography in Coronary Heart Disease. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12094704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
With advances in scanner technology, postprocessing techniques, and the development of novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracers, the applications of PET for the study of coronary heart disease have been gaining momentum in the last few years. Depending on the tracer and acquisition protocol, cardiac PET can be used to evaluate the atherosclerotic lesion (plaque imaging) and to assess its potential consequences—ischemic versus nonischemic (perfusion imaging) and viable versus scarred (viability imaging) myocardium. The scope of this review is to summarize the role of PET in coronary heart disease.
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27
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Molecular imaging in atherosclerosis. Clin Transl Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40336-022-00483-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
As atherosclerosis is a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality, early detection of atherosclerotic plaques is vital to prevent complications. Imaging plays a significant role in this goal. Molecular imaging and structural imaging detect different phases of atherosclerotic progression. In this review, we explain the relation between these types of imaging with the physiopathology of plaques, along with their advantages and disadvantages. We also discuss in detail the most commonly used positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers for atherosclerosis imaging.
Method
A comprehensive search was conducted to extract articles related to imaging of atherosclerosis in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The obtained papers were reviewed regarding precise relation with our topic. Among the search keywords utilized were "atherosclerosis imaging", "atherosclerosis structural imaging", "atherosclerosis CT scan" "positron emission tomography", "PET imaging", "18F-NaF", "18F-FDG", and "atherosclerosis calcification."
Result
Although structural imaging such as computed tomography (CT) offers essential information regarding plaque structure and morphologic features, these modalities can only detect macroscopic alterations that occur later in the disease’s progression, when the changes are frequently irreversible. Molecular imaging modalities like PET, on the other hand, have the advantage of detecting microscopic changes and allow us to treat these plaques before irreversible changes occur. The two most commonly used tracers in PET imaging of atherosclerosis are 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). While there are limitations in the use of 18F-FDG for the detection of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries due to physiological uptake in myocardium and high luminal blood pool activity of 18F-FDG, 18F-NaF PET is less affected and can be utilized to analyze the coronary arteries in addition to the peripheral vasculature.
Conclusion
Molecular imaging with PET/CT has become a useful tool in the early detection of atherosclerosis. 18F-NaF PET/CT shows promise in the early global assessment of atherosclerosis, but further prospective studies are needed to confirm its role in this area.
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28
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Alavi A, Saboury B, Nardo L, Zhang V, Wang M, Li H, Raynor WY, Werner TJ, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Revheim ME. Potential and Most Relevant Applications of Total Body PET/CT Imaging. Clin Nucl Med 2022; 47:43-55. [PMID: 34874348 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000003962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The introduction of total body (TB) PET/CT instruments over the past 2 years has initiated a new and exciting era in medical imaging. These instruments have substantially higher sensitivity (up to 68 times) than conventional modalities and therefore allow imaging the entire body over a short period. However, we need to further refine the imaging protocols of this instrument for different indications. Total body PET will allow accurate assessment of the extent of disease, particularly, including the entire axial and appendicular skeleton. Furthermore, delayed imaging with this instrument may enhance the sensitivity of PET for some types of cancer. Also, this modality may improve the detection of venous thrombosis, a common complication of cancer and chemotherapy, in the extremities and help prevent pulmonary embolism. Total body PET allows assessment of atherosclerotic plaques throughout the body as a systematic disease. Similarly, patients with widespread musculoskeletal disorders including both oncologic and nononcologic entities, such as degenerative joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis, may benefit from the use of TB-PET. Finally, quantitative global disease assessment provided by this approach will be superior to conventional measurements, which do not reflect overall disease activity. In conclusion, TB-PET imaging may have a revolutionary impact on day-to-day practice of medicine and may become the leading imaging modality in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abass Alavi
- From the Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Lorenzo Nardo
- Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Vincent Zhang
- From the Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Meiyun Wang
- Department of Radiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan, China
| | - Hongdi Li
- United Imaging Healthcare, Houston, TX
| | - William Y Raynor
- From the Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Thomas J Werner
- From the Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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29
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Arani LS, Zirakchian Zadeh M, Saboury B, Revheim ME, Øestergaard B, Borja AJ, Samadi Samarin D, Mehdizadeh Seraj S, Kalbush E, Ayubcha C, Morris MA, Werner TJ, Abildgaard N, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A. Assessment of atherosclerosis in multiple myeloma and smoldering myeloma patients using 18F- sodium fluoride PET/CT. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:3044-3054. [PMID: 33389640 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-020-02446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To compare the NaF uptake in the thoracic aorta and whole heart, as an early indicator of atherosclerosis, in multiple myeloma (MM) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) patients with a healthy control (HC) group. METHODS Forty-four untreated myeloma patients (35 MM and nine SMM) and twenty-six age and gender-matched HC subjects were collected. Each individual's NaF uptake in three parts of the aorta (AA: ascending aorta, AR: aortic arch, DA: descending aorta) and the whole heart was segmented. Average global standardized uptake value means were derived by sum of the product of each slice area divided by the sum of those slice areas. Results were reported as target to background ratio (TBR). RESULTS There was a significant difference between the NaF uptake in the thoracic aorta of myeloma and HC groups [AA (myeloma = 1.82 ± 0.21, HC = 1.24 ± 0.02), AR (myeloma = 1.71 ± 0.19, HC = 1.28 ± 0.03) and DA (myeloma = 1.96 ± 0.28, HC = 1.38 ± 0.03); P-values < 0.001]. The difference in the whole heart NaF uptake between two groups was also significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We observed a higher uptake of NaF in the thoracic aorta and whole heart of myeloma patients in comparison to the matched control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila S Arani
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mahdi Zirakchian Zadeh
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Dental School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Babak Saboury
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mona-Elisabeth Revheim
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Brian Øestergaard
- Department of Hematology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Austin J Borja
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Davoud Samadi Samarin
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Siavash Mehdizadeh Seraj
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Eman Kalbush
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Cyrus Ayubcha
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael A Morris
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tom J Werner
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Niels Abildgaard
- Department of Hematology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Hematology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Poul F Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Hayrapetian A, Berenji GR, Nguyen KL, Li Y. 18F-Sodium fluoride uptake is associated with severity of atherosclerotic stenosis in stable ischemic heart disease. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:3058-3066. [PMID: 32676905 PMCID: PMC10163835 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-020-02238-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased uptake of 18F-Sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) PET has potential to identify atherosclerotic plaques that are vulnerable to rupture. Whether 18F-NaF PET can evaluate the significance of atherosclerotic plaque in patients with stable coronary artery disease is less clear. We evaluated 18F-NaF PET uptake in coronary arteries in patients without acute coronary artery syndrome to determine the association of 18F-NaF signal uptake with severity of coronary stenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS We retrospectively identified 114 patients who received both regadenoson stress 82Rb myocardial perfusion PET and 18F-NaF PET study with an average interval of 5 months. Out of this cohort, forty-one patients underwent invasive coronary angiography. In a patient-based analysis, patients with ischemic regadenoson stress 82Rb PET had significantly higher coronary 18F-NaF uptake than patients with normal myocardial perfusion (P < .01). Among the 41 patients who underwent coronary angiography, per-vessel 18F-NaF uptake in both obstructive and nonobstructive coronary arteries was significantly higher than in normal coronary arteries (P < .05) regardless of the severity of coronary calcification. There was poor correlation between calcification and 18F-NaF uptake in coronary arteries (r = 0.41) CONCLUSION: Coronary arterial 18F-NaF uptake is associated with coronary stenosis severity in patients with stable coronary artery disease. 18F-NaF PET studies may be useful for characterizing coronary atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artineh Hayrapetian
- Department of Radiology, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA
- Ahmanson Translational Imaging Division, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Gholam R Berenji
- Department of Radiology, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA
| | - Kim-Lien Nguyen
- Department of Radiology, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA
- Divsion of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Cardiology, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yuxin Li
- Department of Radiology, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA.
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Raynor WY, Borja AJ, Rojulpote C, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A. 18F-sodium fluoride: An emerging tracer to assess active vascular microcalcification. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:2706-2711. [PMID: 32390112 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-020-02138-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William Y Raynor
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Austin J Borja
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chaitanya Rojulpote
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Scranton, PA, USA
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Raynor WY, Park PSU, Borja AJ, Sun Y, Werner TJ, Ng SJ, Lau HC, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A, Revheim ME. PET-Based Imaging with 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF to Assess Inflammation and Microcalcification in Atherosclerosis and Other Vascular and Thrombotic Disorders. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11122234. [PMID: 34943473 PMCID: PMC8700072 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11122234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) represents a method of detecting and characterizing arterial wall inflammation, with potential applications in the early assessment of vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis. By portraying early-stage molecular changes, FDG-PET findings have previously been shown to correlate with atherosclerosis progression. In addition, recent studies have suggested that microcalcification revealed by 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) may be more sensitive at detecting atherogenic changes compared to FDG-PET. In this review, we summarize the roles of FDG and NaF in the assessment of atherosclerosis and discuss the role of global assessment in quantification of the vascular disease burden. Furthermore, we will review the emerging applications of FDG-PET in various vascular disorders, including pulmonary embolism, as well as inflammatory and infectious vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Y. Raynor
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (W.Y.R.); (P.S.U.P.); (A.J.B.); (T.J.W.); (A.A.)
| | - Peter Sang Uk Park
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (W.Y.R.); (P.S.U.P.); (A.J.B.); (T.J.W.); (A.A.)
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Austin J. Borja
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (W.Y.R.); (P.S.U.P.); (A.J.B.); (T.J.W.); (A.A.)
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Yusha Sun
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Thomas J. Werner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (W.Y.R.); (P.S.U.P.); (A.J.B.); (T.J.W.); (A.A.)
| | - Sze Jia Ng
- Department of Medicine, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA 19013, USA; (S.J.N.); (H.C.L.)
| | - Hui Chong Lau
- Department of Medicine, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA 19013, USA; (S.J.N.); (H.C.L.)
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (W.Y.R.); (P.S.U.P.); (A.J.B.); (T.J.W.); (A.A.)
| | - Mona-Elisabeth Revheim
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (W.Y.R.); (P.S.U.P.); (A.J.B.); (T.J.W.); (A.A.)
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Problemveien 7, 0315 Oslo, Norway
- Correspondence: or
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Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) offers an incredible wealth of diverse research applications in vascular disease, providing a depth of molecular, functional, structural, and spatial information. Despite this, vascular PET imaging has not yet assumed the same clinical use as vascular ultrasound, CT, and MR imaging which provides information about late-onset, structural tissue changes. The current clinical utility of PET relies heavily on visual inspection and suboptimal parameters such as SUVmax; emerging applications have begun to harness the tool of whole-body PET to better understand the disease. Even still, without automation, this is a time-consuming and variable process. This review summarizes PET applications in vascular disorders, highlights emerging AI methods, and discusses the unlocked potential of AI in the clinical space.
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Alavi A, Werner TJ, Raynor W, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Revheim ME. Critical review of PET imaging for detection and characterization of the atherosclerotic plaques with emphasis on limitations of FDG-PET compared to NaF-PET in this setting. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING 2021; 11:337-351. [PMID: 34754605 PMCID: PMC8569336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Applications of various positron emission tomography (PET) tracers for assessing atherosclerosis have been evolving over the years. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET was introduced in 2001 as a probe for this purpose. During the past decade, numerous papers have described a major role for sodium 18F-fluoride (NaF) as another tracer for assessing this vascular disease. We have reviewed the existing data about the merits of both techniques for assessing atherosclerosis. We have to emphasize that our team has been actively involved in conducting research with both tracers over many years. In this review, we have relied upon the data from the CAMONA study which has become a gold standard for defining the role of PET imaging in atherosclerosis. This study was one of the largest of any in recent years and has allowed comprehensive comparison between these two tracers in detecting and quantifying atherosclerosis. Based on what we have learned from this major undertaking, we believe the role of FDG-PET will be limited in assessing atherosclerosis in clinical work-up. This is relevant to both major and coronary arteries. In contrast to NaF-PET, the role of FDG-PET in assessing coronary artery atherosclerosis is almost non-existent. Based on the existing data in this domain, NaF-PET is an ideal imaging modality for both research and clinical assessment of atherosclerosis. The aim of this review is to describe the pros and cons of both approaches based on the existing data in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia 19104, PA, USA
| | - Thomas J Werner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia 19104, PA, USA
| | - William Raynor
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia 19104, PA, USA
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University HospitalOdense 5000, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern DenmarkOdense, Denmark
| | - Mona-Elisabeth Revheim
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University HospitalOslo 0424, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of OsloOslo 0424, Norway
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Kondakov A, Lelyuk V. Clinical Molecular Imaging for Atherosclerotic Plaque. J Imaging 2021; 7:jimaging7100211. [PMID: 34677297 PMCID: PMC8538040 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging7100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a well-known disease leading to cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. These conditions lead to a high mortality rate, which explains the interest in their prevention, early detection, and treatment. Molecular imaging is able to shed light on the basic pathophysiological processes, such as inflammation, that cause the progression and instability of plaque. The most common radiotracers used in clinical practice can detect increased energy metabolism (FDG), macrophage number (somatostatin receptor imaging), the intensity of cell proliferation in the area (labeled choline), and microcalcifications (fluoride imaging). These radiopharmaceuticals, especially FDG and labeled sodium fluoride, can predict cardiovascular events. The limitations of molecular imaging in atherosclerosis include low uptake of highly specific tracers, possible overlap with other diseases of the vessel wall, and specific features of certain tracers’ physiological distribution. A common protocol for patient preparation, data acquisition, and quantification is needed in the area of atherosclerosis imaging research.
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Atorvastatin Promotes Macrocalcification, But Not Microcalcification in Atherosclerotic Rabbits: An 18F-NaF PET/CT Study. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 78:544-550. [PMID: 34651601 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our study aimed to investigate the effect of atorvastatin on plaque calcification by matching the results obtained by 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) with data from histologic sections. METHODS AND RESULTS The rabbits were divided into 2 groups as follows: an atherosclerosis group (n = 10) and an atorvastatin group (n = 10). All rabbits underwent an abdominal aortic operation and were fed a high-fat diet to induce atherosclerosis. Plasma samples were used to analyze serum inflammation markers and blood lipid levels. 18F-NaF PET/CT scans were performed twice. The plaque area, macrophage number and calcification were measured, and the data from the pathological sections were matched with the 18F-NaF PET/CT scan results. The mean standardized uptake value (0.725 ± 0.126 vs. 0.603 ± 0.071, P < 0.001) and maximum standardized uptake value (1.024 ± 0.116 vs. 0.854 ± 0.091, P < 0.001) significantly increased in the atherosclerosis group, but only slightly increased in the atorvastatin group (0.616 ± 0.103 vs. 0.613 ± 0.094, P = 0.384; 0.853 ± 0.099 vs.0.837 ± 0.089, P < 0.001, respectively). The total calcium density was significantly increased in rabbits treated with atorvastatin compared with rabbits not treated with atorvastatin (1.64 ± 0.90 vs. 0.49 ± 0.35, P < 0.001), but the microcalcification level was significantly lower. There were more microcalcification deposits in the areas with increased radioactive uptake of 18F-NaF. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the anti-inflammatory activity of atorvastatin may promote macrocalcification but not microcalcification within atherosclerotic plaques. 18F-NaF PET/CT can detect plaque microcalcifications.
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Nakahara T, Narula J, Fox JJ, Jinzaki M, Strauss HW. Temporal relationship between 18F-sodium fluoride uptake in the abdominal aorta and evolution of CT-verified vascular calcification. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:1936-1945. [PMID: 31741329 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-019-01934-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluoride-18 sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) localizes in microcalcifications in atheroma. The microcalcifications may aggregate, passing the resolution threshold to visualize on computed tomography (CT). We evaluated serial NaF positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scans to determine the temporal relationship between vascular NaF uptake and CT evident calcification in the abdominal aorta. METHODS Prostate cancer patients who had at least 3 NaF PET-CT scans over at least 1.5 years were retrospectively enrolled. Regions of interest were traced in the abdominal aorta on both PET and CT images, excluding skeletal NaF activity. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of NaF and the density and volume of calcium (exceeding 130 HU) were summed and divided by the number of slices to produce the SUVmax/slice and the mm3·slice-1 of calcium. RESULTS Of 437 patients, 45 patients met criteria. NaF uptake waxed and waned between scans, while the calcium volume plateaued or increased over time. NaF uptake correlated with calcium volume on the baseline scan (P = .60, < .0001†) and calcium volume increment, especially from 1.0 to 1.5 years (r = .79, P < .0001†). Patients with persistently high NaF uptake showed a higher calcium volume increment (0-1.5 years) than patients with low or transiently high NaF uptake. CONCLUSIONS Abdominal aortic NaF uptake varied over time. NaF uptake on the baseline scans and high NaF uptake on the serial scans preceded an increase in calcium volume, especially by 1.0-1.5 years. Persistently high NaF uptake was associated with a greater increment in calcium volume than patients with transiently elevated or persistently low fluoride uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nakahara
- Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jagat Narula
- Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josef J Fox
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Masahiro Jinzaki
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - H William Strauss
- Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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den Harder AM, Wolterink JM, Bartstra JW, Spiering W, Zwakenberg SR, Beulens JW, Slart RHJA, Luurtsema G, Mali WP, de Jong PA. Vascular uptake on 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography: precursor of vascular calcification? J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:2244-2254. [PMID: 31975332 PMCID: PMC8648691 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-020-02031-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microcalcifications cannot be identified with the present resolution of CT; however, 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has been proposed for non-invasive identification of microcalcification. The primary objective of this study was to assess whether 18F-NaF activity can assess the presence and predict the progression of CT detectable vascular calcification. METHODS AND RESULTS The data of two longitudinal studies in which patients received a 18F-NaF PET-CT at baseline and after 6 months or 1-year follow-up were used. The target to background ratio (TBR) was measured on PET at baseline and CT calcification was quantified in the femoral arteries at baseline and follow-up. 128 patients were included. A higher TBR at baseline was associated with higher calcification mass at baseline and calcification progression (β = 1.006 [1.005-1.007] and β = 1.002 [1.002-1.003] in the studies with 6 months and 1-year follow-up, respectively). In areas without calcification at baseline and where calcification developed at follow-up, the TBR was .11-.13 (P < .001) higher compared to areas where no calcification developed. CONCLUSION The activity of 18F-NaF is related to the amount of calcification and calcification progression. In areas where calcification formation occurred, the TBR was slightly but significantly higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie M den Harder
- Department of Radiology, Utrecht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 85500, E01.132, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jelmer M Wolterink
- Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jonas W Bartstra
- Department of Radiology, Utrecht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 85500, E01.132, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilko Spiering
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine R Zwakenberg
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joline W Beulens
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Riemer H J A Slart
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Luurtsema
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem P Mali
- Department of Radiology, Utrecht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 85500, E01.132, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pim A de Jong
- Department of Radiology, Utrecht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 85500, E01.132, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Saboury B, Edenbrandt L, Piri R, Gerke O, Werner T, Arbab-Zadeh A, Alavi A, Høilund-Carlsen PF. Alavi-Carlsen Calcification Score (ACCS): A Simple Measure of Global Cardiac Atherosclerosis Burden. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:1421. [PMID: 34441355 PMCID: PMC8391812 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multislice cardiac CT characterizes late stage macrocalcification in epicardial arteries as opposed to PET/CT, which mirrors early phase arterial wall changes in epicardial and transmural coronary arteries. With regard to tracer, there has been a shift from using mainly 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), indicating inflammation, to applying predominantly 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) due to its high affinity for arterial wall microcalcification and more consistent association with cardiovascular risk factors. To make NaF-PET/CT an indispensable adjunct to clinical assessment of cardiac atherosclerosis, the Alavi-Carlsen Calcification Score (ACCS) has been proposed. It constitutes a global assessment of cardiac atherosclerosis burden in the individual patient, supported by an artificial intelligence (AI)-based approach for fast observer-independent segmentation. Common measures for characterizing epicardial coronary atherosclerosis by NaF-PET/CT as the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) or target-to-background ratio are more versatile, error prone, and less reproducible than the ACCS, which equals the average cardiac SUV. The AI-based approach ensures a quick and easy delineation of the entire heart in 3D to obtain the ACCS expressing ongoing global cardiac atherosclerosis, even before it gives rise to CT-detectable coronary calcification. The quantification of global cardiac atherosclerotic burden by the ACCS is suited for management triage and monitoring of disease progression with and without intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Saboury
- Clinical Center, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
- Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Lars Edenbrandt
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Reza Piri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; (R.P.); (O.G.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Oke Gerke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; (R.P.); (O.G.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Tom Werner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Armin Arbab-Zadeh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; (R.P.); (O.G.)
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
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Silva Mendes BI, Oliveira-Santos M, Vidigal Ferreira MJ. Sodium fluoride in cardiovascular disorders: A systematic review. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:1461-1473. [PMID: 31388965 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-019-01832-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 18-Fluorine sodium fluoride is a well-known radiotracer used for bone metastasis diagnosis. Its uptake correlation with cardiovascular (CV) risk was primarily suggested in oncological patients. Moreover, as a specific marker of microcalcification, it seems to correlate with CV disease progression and plaque instability. METHODS AND RESULTS Our purpose was to systematically review clinical studies that characterized the use of this marker in CV conditions. In atherosclerosis, most studies report a positive correlation with the burden of CV risk factors and vascular calcification. A higher uptake was found in culprit plaques/rupture sites in coronary and carotid arteries and it was also linked to high-risk features in histology and intravascular imaging analysis of the plaques. In aortic stenosis, this tracer displayed an increasing uptake with disease severity. CONCLUSIONS Sodium fluoride positron emission tomography is a promising non-invasive technique to identify high-risk plaques, which sets ground to a potential use of this tracer in evaluating atherosclerotic disease progression and degenerative changes in aortic valve stenosis. Nevertheless, there is a need for further prospective evidence that demonstrates this technique's value in predicting clinical events, adjusting treatment strategies, and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Isabel Silva Mendes
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba - Celas PT, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Manuel Oliveira-Santos
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba - Celas PT, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Nucleares Aplicadas à Saúde (ICNAS), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria João Vidigal Ferreira
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba - Celas PT, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Nucleares Aplicadas à Saúde (ICNAS), Coimbra, Portugal
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Cantoni V, Assante R, Cuocolo A. 18F-sodium fluoride: An old tracer with a new promising clinical application. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:1474-1476. [PMID: 31531841 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-019-01892-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Cantoni
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Roberta Assante
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Cuocolo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Potential of PET/CT in assessing dementias with emphasis on cerebrovascular disorders. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2021; 47:2493-2498. [PMID: 31982989 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-020-04697-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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43
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Piri R, Lici G, Riyahimanesh P, Gerke O, Alavi A, Høilund-Carlsen PF. Two-year change in 18F-sodium fluoride uptake in major arteries of healthy subjects and angina pectoris patients. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 37:3115-3126. [PMID: 33950330 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-021-02263-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To examine 2-year changes in carotid and aortic 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) uptake in both healthy controls and angina pectoris patients. Twenty-nine healthy subjects and 20 angina pectoris patients underwent 90-min NaF-PET/CT twice 2 years apart. The carotids and three sections of the aorta (arch, thoracic, abdominal) were manually segmented. NaF uptake was expressed as the mean and total standardized uptake values without and with partial volume correction (SUVmean, SUVtotal and pvcSUVmean, pvcSUVtotal). Insignificant tendencies were higher NaF uptake in angina patients at both time points with less uptake in healthy subjects and higher uptake in angina patients after 2 years. Thus, aortic pvcSUVmean of angina patients was 1.14 ± 0.35 and 1.29 ± 0.71 at baseline and after 2 years vs. 0.99 ± 0.31 and 0.95 ± 0.28 in healthy subjects. A similar pattern was observed for the carotid pvcSUVmean. NaF uptake at baseline could not predict a change in CT-calcification after 2 years. NaF uptake in all parts of the aorta correlated positively with age. There was an insignificant, but consistent, tendency for slightly higher arterial NaF uptake in the angina group indicating more ongoing microcalcification at both time points in patients than healthy subjects. The 2-year changes were in both groups very small suggesting that the atherosclerotic process is slow, albeit with a tendency of slight decreases among healthy controls and slight increases in angina patients despite statin therapy in half of these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Piri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Gauher Lici
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Pooriya Riyahimanesh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Oke Gerke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Abass Alavi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Castro SA, Muser D, Lee H, Hancin EC, Borja AJ, Acosta O, Werner TJ, Thomassen A, Constantinescu C, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A. Carotid artery molecular calcification assessed by [ 18F]fluoride PET/CT: correlation with cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk factors. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:8050-8059. [PMID: 33866386 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-07917-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is growing evidence that sodium fluoride ([18F]fluoride) PET/CT can detect active arterial calcifications at the molecular stage. We investigated the relationship between arterial mineralization in the left common carotid artery (LCC) assessed by [18F]fluoride PET/CT and cardiovascular/thromboembolic risk. METHODS In total, 128 subjects (mean age 48 ± 14 years, 51% males) were included. [18F]fluoride uptake in the LCC was quantitatively assessed by measuring the blood-pool-corrected maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on each axial slice. Average SUVmax (aSUVmax) was calculated over all slices and correlated with 10-year risk of cardiovascular events estimated by the Framingham model, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and level of physical activity (LPA). RESULTS The aSUVmax was significantly higher in patients with increased risk of cardiovascular (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.01) and thromboembolic (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.01) events, and it was significantly lower in patients with greater LPA (one-way ANOVA, p = 0.02). On multivariable linear regression analysis, age ( = 0.07, 95% CI 0.05 - 0.10, p < 0.01), body mass index ( = 0.02, 95% CI 0.01 - 0.03, p < 0.01), arterial hypertension ( = 0.15, 95% CI 0.08 - 0.23, p < 0.01), and LPA ( = -0.10, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.02, p=0.02) were independent associations of aSUVmax. CONCLUSIONS Carotid [18F]fluoride uptake is significantly increased in patients with unfavorable cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk profiles. [18F]fluoride PET/CT could become a valuable tool to estimate subjects' risk of future cardiovascular events although still major trials are needed to further evaluate the associations found in this study and their potential clinical usefulness. KEY POINTS • Sodium fluoride ([18F]fluoride) PET/CT imaging identifies patients with early-stage atherosclerosis. • Carotid [18F]fluoride uptake is significantly higher in patients with increased risk of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events and inversely correlated with the level of physical activity. • Early detection of arterial mineralization at a molecular level could help guide clinical decisions in the context of cardiovascular risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon A Castro
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Quinnipiac University, St Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT, USA
| | - Daniele Muser
- Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hwan Lee
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Quinnipiac University, St Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT, USA
| | - Emily C Hancin
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Austin J Borja
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Oswaldo Acosta
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Thomas J Werner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Anders Thomassen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Caius Constantinescu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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45
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Wei X, Su Y, Li Q, Zheng Z, Hou P. Analysis of crucial genes, pathways and construction of the molecular regulatory networks in vascular smooth muscle cell calcification. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:589. [PMID: 33850561 PMCID: PMC8027762 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification (VC) accompanies the trans-differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into osteo/chondrocyte-like cells and resembles physiological bone mineralization. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying VC initiation and progression have remained largely elusive. The aim of the present study was to identify the genes and pathways common to VSMC and osteoblast calcification and construct a regulatory network of non-coding RNAs and transcription factors (TFs). To this end, the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset GSE37558 including mRNA microarray data of calcifying VSMCs (CVSMCs) and calcifying osteoblasts (COs) was analyzed. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and functionally annotated and the microRNA (miRNA/mRNA)-mRNA, TF-miRNA and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-TF regulatory networks were constructed. A total of 318 DEGs were identified in the CVSMCs relative to the non-calcified VSMCs, of which 43 were shared with the COs. The CVSMC-related DEGs were mainly enriched in the functional terms cell cycle, extracellular matrix (ECM), inflammation and chemotaxis-mediated signaling pathways, of which ECM was enriched by the DEGs for the COs as well. The protein-protein interaction network of CVSMCs consisted of 281 genes and 3,650 edges. There were 30 hub genes in this network, including maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), which potentially regulates the differentially expressed TF (DETF) forkhead box (FOX)M1 and is a potential target gene of Homo sapiens miR-485-3p and miR-181d. The TF-miRNA network included 251 TFs and 60 miRNAs, including 10 DETFs such as FOXO1 and snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2). Furthermore, the lncRNAs H19 imprinted maternally expressed transcript (H19) and differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) were predicted as the upstream regulators of FOXO1 and SNAI2 in the lncRNA-TF regulatory network. DANCR, MELK and FOXM1 were downregulated, and H19, FOXO1 and SNAI2 were upregulated in the CVSMCs. Taken together, the CVSMCs and COs exhibited similar molecular changes in the ECM. In addition, the MELK-FOXM1, H19/DANCR-FOXO1 and SNAI2 regulatory pathways likely mediate VSMC calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Wei
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi 545005, P.R. China
| | - Yiming Su
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi 545005, P.R. China
| | - Qiyi Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi 545005, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyong Zheng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi 545005, P.R. China
| | - Peiyong Hou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi 545005, P.R. China
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46
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Imaging Inflammation with Positron Emission Tomography. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020212. [PMID: 33669804 PMCID: PMC7922638 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of inflammation on the outcome of many medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases has been widely acknowledged. However, in contrast to neurological, oncologic, and cardiovascular disorders, imaging plays a minor role in research and management of inflammation. Imaging can provide insights into individual and temporospatial biology and grade of inflammation which can be of diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic value. There is therefore an urgent need to evaluate and understand current approaches and potential applications for imaging of inflammation. This review discusses radiotracers for positron emission tomography (PET) that have been used to image inflammation in cardiovascular diseases and other inflammatory conditions with a special emphasis on radiotracers that have already been successfully applied in clinical settings.
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47
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Bhattaru A, Rojulpote C, Gonuguntla K, Patil S, Karambelkar P, Vuthaluru K, Zhang V, Borja AJ, Raynor WY, Werner TJ, Gerke O, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A. An understanding of the atherosclerotic molecular calcific heterogeneity between coronary, upper limb, abdominal, and lower extremity arteries as assessed by NaF PET/CT. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING 2021; 11:40-45. [PMID: 33688454 PMCID: PMC7936246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to quantify the heterogeneity of atherosclerosis in upper and lower limb vessels using 18F-NaF-PET/CT and compare calcification in coronary arteries to peripheral arteries. 68 healthy controls (42±13.5 years, 35 females, 33 males) and 40 patients at-risk for cardiovascular disease (55±11.9 years, 22 females, 18 males) underwent PET/CT imaging 90 minutes after the injection of 18F-NaF (2.2 Mbq/Kg). The following arteries were examined: coronary artery (CA), ascending aorta (AS), arch of aorta (AR), descending aorta (DA), abdominal aorta (AA), common iliac artery (CIA), external iliac artery (EIA), femoral artery (FA), popliteal artery (PA). Average SUVmean (aSUVmean) was calculated for each arterial segment. A paired t-test compared the aSUVmean between CA vs. AS, AR, DA, AA, CIA, EIA, FA, and PA. CA aSUVmean in the at-risk group was higher than the healthy control group (0.74±0.04 vs. 0.67±0.04, P=0.03). Furthermore, the 18F-NaF uptake in the CA was lower than in AS, AR, DA, AA, CIA, EIA, FA, and PA in both healthy (all P≤0.0001) and at-risk (all P≤0.0001). Higher 18F-NaF uptake in non-cardiac arteries in both healthy controls and patients at-risk suggests CA calcification is a late manifestation of atherosclerosis. This differential expression of atherosclerosis is likely due to interaction of hemodynamic parameters specific to the vascular bed and systemic factors related to the development of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Bhattaru
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, United States
| | - Chaitanya Rojulpote
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical EducationScranton, United States
| | - Karthik Gonuguntla
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of ConnecticutFarmington, United States
| | - Shivaraj Patil
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of ConnecticutFarmington, United States
| | - Pranav Karambelkar
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, United States
| | - Kiranmayi Vuthaluru
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, United States
| | - Vincent Zhang
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, United States
| | - Austin J Borja
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, United States
| | - William Y Raynor
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, United States
| | - Thomas J Werner
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, United States
| | - Oke Gerke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University HospitalOdense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern DenmarkOdense, Denmark
| | - Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University HospitalOdense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern DenmarkOdense, Denmark
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, United States
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48
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Borja AJ, Bhattaru A, Rojulpote C, Hancin EC, Detchou DK, Patil S, Gonuguntla K, Karambelkar P, Chinta S, Vuthaluru K, Werner TJ, Gerke O, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A. Association between atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score estimated by pooled cohort equation and coronary plaque burden as assessed by NaF-PET/CT. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING 2020; 10:312-318. [PMID: 33329933 PMCID: PMC7724277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) combines metabolic and non-metabolic parameters to predict the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Therefore, we hypothesize that ASCVD risk score is correlated to global cardiac microcalcification, as assessed by 18F-sodium fluoride-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (NaF-PET/CT). Sixty-one individuals (53.4±8.9 years, 32 females, 100% Caucasian) without known ASCVD underwent NaF-PET/CT imaging. Global cardiac average SUVmean (aSUVmean), also known as the Alavi-Carlsen Calcification Score, was calculated across manually defined regions of interest on each axial slice for each individual. The 10-year ASCVD risk score was determined for each individual using the PCE as per ACC/AHA guidelines, and then individuals were categorized into low-, borderline-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups based on their score. Linear regression analysis was applied to compare each individual's ASCVD score and aSUVmean. Global cardiac aSUVmean stratified by groups estimated by 10-year ASCVD risk score were 0.67±0.09 for low risk (n=32), 0.70±0.11 for borderline risk (n=10), 0.72±0.10 for intermediate risk (n=17), and 0.78±0.10 for high risk (n=2). ASCVD risk score was significantly correlated to aSUVmean (r=0.27, P=0.03). This is among the first studies to compare ASCVD risk scores to cardiac plaque burden as assessed by NaF-PET/CT. Large, prospective studies are needed to further investigate the potential of NaF uptake in ASCVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin J Borja
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine at The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abhijit Bhattaru
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chaitanya Rojulpote
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical EducationScranton, PA, USA
| | - Emily C Hancin
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple UniversityPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Donald K Detchou
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine at The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shivaraj Patil
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of ConnecticutFarmington, CT, USA
| | - Karthik Gonuguntla
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of ConnecticutFarmington, CT, USA
| | - Pranav Karambelkar
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical EducationScranton, PA, USA
| | - Sree Chinta
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Thomas J Werner
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Oke Gerke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University HospitalOdense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern DenmarkOdense, Denmark
| | - Poul F Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University HospitalOdense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern DenmarkOdense, Denmark
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
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Høilund-Carlsen PF, Piri R, Gerke O, Edenbrandt L, Alavi A. Assessment of Total-Body Atherosclerosis by PET/Computed Tomography. PET Clin 2020; 16:119-128. [PMID: 33160930 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic burden has become the focus of cardiovascular risk assessment. PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging with the tracers 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18F-sodium fluoride shows arterial wall inflammation and microcalcification, respectively. Arterial uptake of both tracers is modestly age dependent. 18F-sodium fluoride uptake is consistently associated with risk factors and more easily measured in the heart. Because of extremely high sensitivity, ultrashort acquisition, and minimal radiation to the patient, total-body PET/CT provides unique opportunities for atherosclerosis imaging: disease screening and delayed and repeat imaging with global disease scoring and parametric imaging to better characterize the atherosclerosis of individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 47, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Reza Piri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 47, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Oke Gerke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 47, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Lars Edenbrandt
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, SU Sahlgrenska, 41345 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, PA 19104, USA
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50
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Mayer M, Borja AJ, Hancin EC, Auslander T, Revheim ME, Moghbel MC, Werner TJ, Alavi A, Rajapakse CS. Imaging Atherosclerosis by PET, With Emphasis on the Role of FDG and NaF as Potential Biomarkers for This Disorder. Front Physiol 2020; 11:511391. [PMID: 33192540 PMCID: PMC7642524 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.511391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging has emerged in the past few decades as a novel means to investigate atherosclerosis. From a pathophysiological perspective, atherosclerosis is characterized by microscopic inflammation and microcalcification that precede the characteristic plaque buildup in arterial walls detected by traditional assessment methods, including anatomic imaging modalities. These processes of inflammation and microcalcification are, therefore, prime targets for molecular detection of atherosclerotic disease burden. Imaging with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) can non-invasively assess arterial inflammation and microcalcification, respectively. FDG uptake reflects glucose metabolism, which is particularly increased in atherosclerotic plaques retaining macrophages and undergoing hypoxic stress. By contrast, NaF uptake reflects the exchange of hydroxyl groups of hydroxyapatite crystals for fluoride producing fluorapatite, a key biochemical step in calcification of atherosclerotic plaque. Here we review the existing literature on FDG and NaF imaging and their respective values in investigating the progression of atherosclerotic disease. Based on the large volume of data that have been introduced to the literature and discussed in this review, it is clear that PET imaging will have a major role to play in assessing atherosclerosis in the major and coronary arteries. However, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions on the potential role of FDG in investigating atherosclerosis given the vast number of studies with different designs, image acquisition methods, analyses, and interpretations. Our experience in this domain of research has suggested that NaF may be the tool of choice over FDG in assessing atherosclerosis, especially in the setting of coronary artery disease (CAD). Specifically, global NaF assessment appears to be superior in detecting plaques in tissues with high background FDG activity, such as the coronary arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mayer
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Austin J Borja
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Emily C Hancin
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Thomas Auslander
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mona-Elisabeth Revheim
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mateen C Moghbel
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Thomas J Werner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Chamith S Rajapakse
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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