Optical molecular imaging of inflammation and calcification in atherosclerosis
Book Chapter
Hutcheson, JD, Aikawa, E. (2015). Optical molecular imaging of inflammation and calcification in atherosclerosis
. 107-120. 10.1007/978-3-319-09268-3_5
Hutcheson, JD, Aikawa, E. (2015). Optical molecular imaging of inflammation and calcification in atherosclerosis
. 107-120. 10.1007/978-3-319-09268-3_5
Atherosclerotic plaque development is characterized by the presence of active inflammation, collagen remodeling, and the deposition of calcific mineral, and these processes have proven to be the main determinants of the biomechanical stability of the plaque. Collagen degradation due to proteases from inflamatory cells and/or the formation of spotty microcalcifications within the atherosclerotic fibrous cap can lead to plaque rupture and subsequent myocardial infarction or stroke. Therefore, the ability to monitor inflammation and calcification in situ could inform patient treatment options and prevent serious acute cardiovascular events. Commonly utilized imaging techniques lack the resolution to image these processes. In this chapter, we will discuss the promise of optical molecular imaging in imaging inflammation and calcification within atherosclerotic plaques. We will focus on data from preclinical studies performed in animal models of atherosclerosis, and we will extend our discussion into how these techniques may be fully realized in a clinical setting.
