PET/MRI of atherosclerosis

描述(申请人提供)：我们研究的中心目标是通过发展成像技术来减少动脉粥样硬化性疾病的并发症。我们之前已经开发了通过磁共振成像(MRI)研究颈动脉粥样硬化的广泛能力。然而，我们的研究也表明，动脉粥样硬化性疾病的某些方面不容易通过MRI进行成像，这促使我们寻求多模式成像策略。最值得注意的是，正电子发射断层扫描(PET)提供了在人类动脉粥样硬化研究中使用FDG等分子示踪剂的可能性。因此，结合核磁共振成像和正电子发射计算机断层扫描的能力，可能会提供动脉粥样硬化斑块生物学的更完整的图景。尽管FDG-PET成像前景看好，但仍存在相当大的挑战，尤其是与空间分辨率有关的挑战。因此，我们在这项建议中的主要动机是开发一种技术，利用MRI的高分辨率形态和灌注信息来帮助区分颈动脉粥样硬化中FDG-PET信号的来源。为了研究这一概念，我们将利用高分辨率的微型PET成像来建立在体外颈动脉内膜切除术(CEA)标本中定位信号的金标准。 公共卫生相关性：为了使血管壁成像方法满足改善动脉粥样硬化病变患者风险分层的临床需要，这些方法必须解决导致这些事件的潜在病理。虽然磁共振成像提供了关于动脉粥样硬化斑块形态的特殊信息，但正电子发射断层扫描可能更适合于斑块生物学的评估，特别是炎症。这项建议的目标是开发一种定量、可靠和全面的联合MRI PET方法来表征颈动脉斑块和炎症。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The central goal of our research is to reduce complications from atherosclerotic disease through the development of imaging technologies. We have previously developed an extensive capability to investigate carotid atherosclerosis via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, our studies have also shown that some aspects of atherosclerotic disease are not easily imaged by MRI, leading us to pursue a multimodality imaging strategy. Most notably, positron emission tomography (PET) scanning offers the possibility to use molecular tracers such as FDG in human studies of atherosclerosis. Thus, combining the capabilities of MRI and PET imaging may offer a more complete picture of atherosclerotic plaque biology. Despite the promise of FDG-PET imaging, considerable challenges exist, most notably related to spatial resolution. Therefore, our central motivation in this proposal is to develop a technique that leverages the high-resolution morphological and perfusion information of MRI to help differentiate the source of FDG-PET signals in carotid atherosclerosis. To investigate this concept, we will utilize high-resolution micro-PET imaging to establish a gold standard of localized signal in ex vivo carotid endarterectomy (CEA) specimens. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: In order for vessel wall imaging methods to meet the clinical need for improved stratification of risk in patients with established lesions of atherosclerosis, those methods must address the underlying pathology that leads to those events. While magnetic resonance imaging provides exceptional information on atherosclerotic plaque morphology, positron emission tomography may be better suited for evaluation of plaque biology, particularly inflammation. The goal of this proposal is to develop a quantitative, reliable, and comprehensive combined MRI PET approach for characterizing carotid artery plaque and inflammation.