PET/MRI of atherosclerosis

描述（由申请人提供）：我们研究的中心目标是通过成像技术的发展减少动脉粥样硬化疾病的并发症。我们以前已经开发了一个广泛的能力，通过磁共振成像（MRI）研究颈动脉粥样硬化。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成像，导致我们追求多模态成像策略。最值得注意的是，正电子发射断层扫描（PET）扫描提供了使用分子示踪剂，如FDG在动脉粥样硬化的人类研究的可能性。因此，结合MRI和PET成像的能力可以提供动脉粥样硬化斑块生物学的更完整的图片。尽管FDG-PET成像有希望，但存在相当大的挑战，最明显的是与空间分辨率有关。因此，我们在这个建议的中心动机是开发一种技术，利用高分辨率的形态和灌注信息的MRI，以帮助区分源的FDG-PET信号在颈动脉粥样硬化。为了研究这一概念，我们将利用高分辨率微PET成像建立一个金标准的本地化信号在离体颈动脉内膜切除术（CEA）标本。 公共卫生相关性：为了使血管壁成像方法满足对具有确定的动脉粥样硬化病变的患者的风险分层进行改进的临床需要，这些方法必须解决导致这些事件的潜在病理学。虽然磁共振成像提供了特殊的信息动脉粥样硬化斑块形态，正电子发射断层扫描可能更适合于评价斑块生物学，特别是炎症。该提案的目标是开发一种定量、可靠和全面的组合MRI PET方法，用于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.