Diabetes and Vascular 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Uptake

Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of death in North America and Europe. During the natural course of atherosclerosis, inflammation plays a major role in the development of complex plaque lesions containing activated macrophages, foam cells, T lymphocytes, mast cells, and a necrotic lipid-rich core (1). When such a plaque becomes unstable due to uncontrolled inflammation and thinning of the matrix-rich fibrous cap, it can suddenly rupture, triggering thrombotic vessel occlusion leading to the clinical expression of a stroke or a myocardial infarction. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex disease, with disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism and systemic inflammation. It is an established risk for atherosclerosis and increases the prevalence of stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD).