Non-invasive imaging of high-risk coronary plaque: the role of computed tomography and positron emission tomography

Abstract

Despite recent advances, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. As such, there is a need to optimise our current diagnostic and risk stratification pathways in order to better deliver individualised preventative therapies. Non-invasive imaging of coronary artery plaque can interrogate multiple aspects of coronary atherosclerotic disease, including plaque morphology, anatomy and flow. More recently, disease activity is being assessed to provide mechanistic insights into in vivo atherosclerosis biology. Molecular imaging using positron emission tomography is unique in this field, with the potential to identify specific biological processes using either bespoke or re-purposed radiotracers. This review provides an overview of non-invasive vulnerable plaque detection and molecular imaging of coronary atherosclerosis.

Imaging patients with stable chest pain special feature: introductory editorial

“… 24,25 In addition, the role of MRI for the assessment of chest pain is of great importance 26–28 , as is the role of imaging in the evaluation of heart valve disease 29 . Lastly, novel methods for the evaluation of heart viability and coronary artery disease 30 , with a focus on developing ways to assess vulnerable plaque 31,32 , are coming to the fore and are reviewed.…”