Cardiovascular Genomic Medicine
Molecular and Cellular Imaging of Atherosclerosis: Emerging Applications

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Molecular imaging studies have shed light on important biological aspects of atherosclerosis, and are now entering the clinical arena for the detection of clinical atheroma. This review first discusses fundamental principles regarding the rationale for and development of molecular imaging technologies for investigating atherosclerosis. Next, we highlight clinically promising imaging strategies that illuminate key biological aspects of atherosclerosis, including macrophage activity, protease activity, lipoprotein presence, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. We envision that several molecular imaging approaches will become important adjuncts to the clinical management of high-risk atherosclerosis.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

FDG
fluorodeoxyglucose
LDL
low-density lipoprotein
MMP
matrix metalloproteinase
MNP
magnetic nanoparticles (dextran-coated)
MPO
myeloperoxidase
MRI
magnetic resonance imaging
NIRF
near-infrared fluorescence or fluorochrome
PET
positron emission tomography
SPECT
single-photon emission computed tomography
VCAM
vascular cell adhesion molecule

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Supported by NIH UO1-HL080731, NIH R01 HL078641, and the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

1

Dr. Weissleder is a shareholder and one of the founding members of VisenMedical, a privately held company in Woburn, Massachusetts. Dr. Weissleder is the inventor of several imaging patents, all of which have been assigned to Massachusetts General Hospital. Cardiovascular Genomic Medicine series edited by Geoffrey S. Ginsburg, MD, PhD.