Targeted Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Atherosclerosis

Intravascular near-infrared fluorescence molecular imaging of atherosclerosis.

Novel imaging modalities are required to better identify vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques before their dire consequences of myocardial infarction, sudden death, and stroke. Moving beyond traditional diagnostic methods, the field of molecular imaging offers an innovative approach to report upon critical in vivo biological features of high-risk plaques. Molecular imaging employs engineered, tar...

PET Molecular Targets and Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Atherosclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW With this review, we aim to summarize the role of positron emission tomography (PET) and near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) in the detection of atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS 18F-FDG is an established measure of increased macrophage activity. However, due to its low specificity, new radiotracers have emerged for more specific detection of vascular inflammation and o...

Arthritis imaging using a near-infrared fluorescence folate-targeted probe

A recently developed near-infrared fluorescence-labeled folate probe (NIR2-folate) was tested for in vivo imaging of arthritis using a lipopolysaccharide intra-articular injection model and a KRN transgenic mice serum induction mouse model. In the lipopolysaccharide injection model, the fluorescence signal intensity of NIR2-folate (n = 12) and of free NIR2 (n = 5) was compared between lipopolys...

Evaluation of Reflection Optical Imaging Characteristics Using Fluorescence with Near Infrared Wavelength at Different Depths of Tissue Equivalent Phantom

Near-Infrared Fluorescence Optical Imaging and Tomography

The advent of recent advances in near-infrared laser diodes and fast electro-optic detection has spawned a new research field of diagnostic spectroscopy and imaging based on targeting and reporting exogenous fluorescent agents. This review seeks to concisely address the physics, instrumentation, advancements in tomography, and near-infrared fluorescent contrast agent development that promises s...