Identification and prediction of coronary artery plaque rupture using 18F-fluoride positron emission tomography

There are approximately 150,000 myocardial infarctions per annum in the UK, but patients are not stratified to identify those who would most likely benefit from currently available treatments. Professor Newby believes that a better understanding of the biology of atherosclerotic plaque and the classification of necrotic and inflamed coronary atherosclerotic plaques will help clinicians identify those at a high risk of recurrent cardiac events. Professor Newby will use a non-invasive imaging technique to investigate whether the identification and quantification of plaque inflammation and rupture could enable a more focused, effective and efficient method of tailoring therapy. This approach could prevent unnecessary and potentially harmful invasive investigations (invasive coronary angiography) and treatments (percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass graft surgery), as well as lead to better targeting of secondary preventative drug therapies, avoiding harmful side effects.