Feasibility of In Vivo Imaging of Fibroblast Activation Protein in Human Arterial Walls

Abstract

Increased expression of fibroblast-activating protein (FAP) in fibrous caps may contribute to progression of atherosclerotic plaques. <b>Methods:</b> Forty-one patients who underwent ⁶⁸Ga-conjugated quinoline-based FAP inhibitor (⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04) PET/CT for noncardiovascular indications were retrospectively analyzed. Correlations were assessed between the uptake of ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04 in large arterial walls (SUV_max and target-to-background ratio, TBR) and degree of calcification and cardiovascular risk factors. <b>Results:</b> Focal arterial uptake of ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04 or calcification was detected in 1,177 arterial segments in all 41 patients. TBR was negatively correlated with the degree of calcification (Hounsfield units) (<i>r</i> = -0.27, <i>P</i> < 0.01). Mean TBR in higher-risk patients was greater than in lower-risk patients (2.2 ± 0.3 vs. 1.8 ± 0.3, <i>P</i> < 0.01). Immunohistochemical labeling of carotid plaques exhibited prominent FAP expression in a thin fibrous cap and moderate FAP expression in a thick cap. <b>Conclusion:</b>⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT might have potential for imaging fibroblastic activation in the arterial wall.