Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Vascular calcification plays a prominent role in cardiovascular disease. Once considered to be a passive consequence of aging, this pathological process is now accepted to be dynamic and tightly regulated, its onset triggered by inflammation and necrosis and its progression bearing key similarities to osteogenesis. A major potential advance in our ability to understand the natural history and clinical implications of vascular calcification is the detection of its early and dynamic stages through the use of the positron-emitting radiotracer, (18)F-sodium fluoride. Alongside anatomical information gained from computed tomography, hybrid positron emission and computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging with (18)F-sodium fluoride has, for the first time, enabled the non-invasive detection of microcalcification within the aortic valve, great vessels, and vulnerable coronary plaque. This has raised promise that exploring this process may allow improved risk prediction, better application of current therapies and ultimately the development of novel treatments to target this widespread pathology.

Original publication

DOI

10.1586/14779072.2016.1151354

Type

Journal article

Journal

Expert rev cardiovasc ther

Publication Date

06/2016

Volume

14

Pages

691 - 701

Keywords

18F-sodium fluoride, Microcalcification, cardiovascular disease, hybrid PET/CT imaging, vulnerable coronary plaque, Disease Progression, Early Diagnosis, Humans, Plaque, Atherosclerotic, Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography, Predictive Value of Tests, Radiographic Image Enhancement, Radiopharmaceuticals, Sodium Fluoride, Vascular Calcification