[F-18]-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET Imaging of Atherosclerosis

[18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET (18FDG PET) imaging has emerged as a promising tool for assessment of atherosclerosis. By targeting atherosclerotic plaque glycolysis, a marker for plaque inflammation and hypoxia, 18FDG PET can assess plaque vulnerability and potentially predict risk of atherosclerosis-related disease, such as stroke and myocardial infarction. With excellent reproducibility, 18FDG PET can be a surrogate end point in clinical drug trials, improving trial efficiency. This article summarizes key findings in the literature, discusses limitations of 18FDG PET imaging of atherosclerosis, and reports recommendations to optimize imaging protocols. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.