OP4 Temporal changes in coronary 18f-fluoride plaque uptake in patients with coronary atherosclerosis. (21st September 2022) - Daghem, Marwa
Abstract : Objective: To determine the natural history of coronary 18F-fluoride uptake over 12 months in patients with either advanced stable coronary artery disease or a recent myocardial infarction. Methods: Patients with established multivessel coronary artery disease and either stable disease or a recent acute myocardial infarction underwent coronary 18F-fluoride positron emission tomography and computed tomography angiography which was repeated at either 3, 6 or 12 months. Coronary 18F-fluoride uptake was assessed in each vessel by measuring the coronary microcalcification activity (CMA). Coronary calcification was quantified by measuring calcium score, mass, and volume. Results: Fifty-nine patients had stable coronary artery disease (median age 68 years, 93% male) and fifty-two patients had a recent myocardial infarction (median age 65 years, 83% male). Reflecting the greater burden of coronary artery disease, baseline CMA values were higher in those with stable coronary artery disease. Coronary 18F-fluoride uptake (CMA>0) was associated with higher baseline calcium scores (294 [116–483] versus 72 [8 -222] AU; P<0.001), and more rapid progression of coronary calcification scores (39 [10–82] versus 12 [1–36] AU/year; P<0.001), compared to the absence of uptake (CMA=0). Coronary 18F-fluoride uptake did not markedly alter over the course of 3, 6 or 12 months in patients with either stable coronary artery disease or a recent myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Coronary 18F-fluoride uptake is associated with the severity and progression of coronary artery disease but does not undergo rapid dynamic change in patients with stable or unstable coronary artery disease.