Multiparametric PET and MRI of myocardial damage after myocardial infarction: correlation of integrin αvβ3 expression and myocardial blood flow.

[18F]Galacto-RGD PET/CT allows the visualization and quantification of myocardial αvβ3 expression as a key player in angiogenesis in a subset of patients after MI. αvβ3 expression was more pronounced in patients with larger infarcts and was generally more intense but not restricted to areas with more impaired blood flow, proving that tracer uptake was largely independent of unspecific perfusion effects. Based on these promising results, larger prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the potential of αvβ3 imaging for assessment of myocardial angiogenesis and prediction of ventricular remodeling.