PET/MR imaging of inflammation in atherosclerosis

Myocardial infarction, stroke, mental disorders, neurodegenerative processes, autoimmune diseases, cancer and the human immunodeficiency virus impact the haematopoietic system, which through immunity and inflammation may aggravate pre-existing atherosclerosis. The interplay between the haematopoietic system and its modulation of atherosclerosis has been studied by imaging the cardiovascular system and the activation of haematopoietic organs via scanners integrating positron emission tomography and resonance imaging (PET/MRI). In this Perspective, we review the applicability of integrated whole-body PET/MRI for the study of immune-mediated phenomena associated with haematopoietic activity and cardiovascular disease, and discuss the translational opportunities and challenges of the technology.

Automated summary

Myocardial infarction, stroke, mental disorders, neurodegenerative processes, autoimmune diseases, cancer and HIV impact the haematopoietic system and may worsen pre-existing atherosclerosis. Whole-body PET/MRI imaging has been used to study the interplay between the haematopoietic system and atherosclerosis. In this Perspective, the applicability of integrated PET/MRI for studying immune-mediated phenomena associated with haematopoietic activity and cardiovascular disease is reviewed.