From incidental positron emission uptake to in-vivo phenotyping: a short history of positron emission tomography in the study of atherosclerosis and the vulnerable plaque - Summary - MDSpire

From incidental positron emission uptake to in-vivo phenotyping: a short history of positron emission tomography in the study of atherosclerosis and the vulnerable plaque

  • By

  • Retesh Bajaj

  • Ming Young Simon Wan

  • Kris Thielemans

  • Eren Ozan Bakır

  • Soe Maung

  • Akash Sivananthan

  • Tom Crake

  • Anthony Mathur

  • Ryo Torii

  • Andreas Baumbach

  • Ashley Groves

  • Christos V. Bourantas

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To provide an overview of the evolution of PET imaging in the study of atherosclerosis, summarizing existing and emerging tracers, biological processes targeted, and evidence for vulnerable-plaque detection.

Approach:
  • Technical Challenges: Details the need to address technical hurdles and limitations of PET imaging for broader clinical application.
Key Findings:
  • A new generation of tracers targeting macrophage receptors, chemokine signalling, angiogenesis, endothelial activation, and mitochondrial activity has been validated against histology.
Interpretation:

PET imaging has matured into a significant tool for assessing vascular biology and phenotyping atherosclerosis.

Limitations:
  • Current applications of PET in cardiovascular disease are predominantly investigational, and further studies are needed to enhance its clinical application.
Conclusion:

The review highlights advancements in PET imaging for atherosclerosis research and emphasizes the need for further studies to enhance its clinical utility.

Original Source(s)

From incidental positron emission uptake to in-vivo phenotyping: a short history of positron emission tomography in the study of atherosclerosis and the vulnerable plaque

  • by Retesh Bajaj, Ming Young Simon Wan, Kris Thielemans, Eren Ozan Bakır, Soe Maung, Akash Sivananthan, Tom Crake, Anthony Mathur, Ryo Torii, Andreas Baumbach, Ashley Groves, Christos V. Bourantas

  • July 8, 2026

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