Imaging of vascular biology in the heart

The potential of molecular imaging in visualizing pathophysiologic processes underlying the development, progression, and regression of disease makes it a powerful tool for early detection, risk stratification, and tracking response to therapy. We have seen remarkable advances in molecular imaging of vascular diseases in recent years. To date, most studies have addressed the feasibility of molecular imaging in animal models of human disease, and translation into clinical practice is expected in the near future. Although there is a large body of literature, some groundbreaking, on cardiovascular molecular imaging going back to a decade ago, this review mainly focuses on recent advances in molecular imaging of vascular diseases of the heart.