Varying Correlation Between ¹⁸ F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Carotid Atherosclerosis

Abstract

The correlation between (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI measurements varied with clinical conditions, pointing to a complex interplay between macrophages and neovessels under different pathophysiological conditions. The moderate correlation shown only in symptomatic plaques indicates the presence of acute plaque inflammation with increased metabolic activity and cytokine production by inflammatory cells.