Fused PET/computed tomography has demonstrated success in the detection and quantification of atherosclerotic plaques. Recently, total-body PET imaging has demonstrated increased sensitivity and specificity in atherosclerosis. This article reviews the literature regarding this novel imaging technique. Moreover, evidence that has pointed toward 18F-sodium fluoride as the radiotracer of choice over 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose for evaluation of plaque burden is discussed. Finally, a global disease assessment is introduced as an adjunct tool for vascular PET imaging.
Keywords: 18F-FDG; 18F-NaF; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular disease; PET; Plaque burden; Total-body PET imaging.
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