RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Feasibility of In Vivo Imaging of Fibroblast Activation Protein in Human Arterial Walls
JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine
JO J Nucl Med
FD Society of Nuclear Medicine
SP 948
OP 951
DO 10.2967/jnumed.121.262863
VO 63
IS 6
A1 Wu, Meiqi
A1 Ning, Jing
A1 Li, Jingle
A1 Lai, Zhichao
A1 Shi, Ximin
A1 Xing, Haiqun
A1 Hacker, Marcus
A1 Liu, Bao
A1 Huo, Li
A1 Li, Xiang
YR 2022
UL http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/63/6/948.abstract
AB Increased expression of fibroblast-activating protein (FAP) in fibrous caps may contribute to progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: Forty-one patients who underwent 68Ga-conjugated quinoline-based FAP inhibitor (68Ga-FAPI-04) PET/CT for noncardiovascular indications were retrospectively analyzed. Correlations were assessed between the uptake of 68Ga-FAPI-04 in large arterial walls (SUVmax and target-to-background ratio, TBR) and degree of calcification and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Focal arterial uptake of 68Ga-FAPI-04 or calcification was detected in 1,177 arterial segments in all 41 patients. TBR was negatively correlated with the degree of calcification (Hounsfield units) (r = −0.27, P < 0.01). Mean TBR in higher-risk patients was greater than in lower-risk patients (2.2 ± 0.3 vs. 1.8 ± 0.3, P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical labeling of carotid plaques exhibited prominent FAP expression in a thin fibrous cap and moderate FAP expression in a thick cap. Conclusion: 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT might have potential for imaging fibroblastic activation in the arterial wall.