[Role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the assessment of carotid atherosclerosis].

Authors :: Niccoli Asabella A
Di Palo A
Notaristefano A
Ciccone M
Ferrari C
Zeppa P
Cortese F
Rubini G
Source :: Recenti progressi in medicina [Recenti Prog Med] 2012 Nov; Vol. 103 (11), pp. 515-9.
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the evaluation of carotid plaques and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors. 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan was performed in 25 patients with ultrasound diagnosis of carotid atherosclerosis and ≥70% stenosis, who were scheduled for carotid endoarterectomy. 18F-FDG uptake was measured by ROIs drawn on PET/CT carotid artery slices. A statistically significant difference in 18F-FDG uptake was observed in relation to body mass index values between 25 and 29 kg/m2. Our results suggest that PET/CT imaging has utility in risk stratification of atherosclerotic patients.