Metabolic and Molecular Imaging of Atherosclerosis and Venous Thromboembolism.

Metabolic and molecular imaging continues to advance our understanding of vascular disease pathophysiology. At present, 18F-FDG PET imaging is the most widely used clinical tool for metabolic and molecular imaging of atherosclerosis. However, novel nuclear tracers and intravascular optical near-infrared fluorescence imaging catheters are emerging to assess new biologic targets in vivo and in coronary arteries. This review highlights current metabolic and molecular imaging clinical and near-clinical applications within atherosclerosis and venous thromboembolism, and explores the potential for metabolic and molecular imaging to affect patient-level risk prediction and disease treatment.