In Vivo Imaging of Mineral Deposition in Carotid Plaque Using ¹⁸F-Sodium Fluoride PET/CT: Correlation with Atherogenic Risk Factors

Abstract

Carotid (18)F-sodium fluoride uptake is a surrogate measure of calcifying carotid plaque, correlates with cardiovascular risk factors, and is more frequent in patients with a high-risk profile for atherothrombotic events but demonstrates a weaker correlation with risk factors than does calcified plaque burden. This study provides a rationale to conduct further prospective studies to determine whether (18)F-sodium fluoride uptake can predict vascular events, or if it may be used to monitor pharmacologic therapy.