Atherosclerosis imaging with 18F-sodium fluoride PET: state-of-the-art review.

The literature was heterogeneous and with few clear cut messages. NaF-PET is a new approach to detect and quantify microcalcification in early-stage atherosclerosis. NaF uptake correlates with cardiovascular risk factors and appears to be a good measure of the body's atherosclerotic burden, potentially suited also for assessment of anti-atherosclerotic therapy.