Modern possibilities of radionuclide molecular imaging of atherosclerosis

Abstract

The problem of early diagnosis of coronary artery atherosclerosis is a primary task of modern cardiology. Unstable atherosclerotic plaques with inflammatory component play important role in the deterioration of the prognosis of cardiovascular complications. Modern radionuclide methods allow evaluation of various components of atherogenesis, as well as the early changes in myocardial perfusion caused by atherosclerosis. Current review describes modern possibilities of molecular imaging of atherosclerosis using radionuclide methods, with a list of promising radiopharmaceuticals used in this direction.