Selective Imaging of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 to Detect Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Atherosclerotic Lesions.

While both radiotracers successfully identified atherosclerotic plaques, [18F]FMBP showed superior specificity and sensitivity for lesions possessing features of destructive plaque remodeling. The detection of ECM remodeling by selective targeting of MMP-13 may enable characterization of high-risk atherosclerosis featuring elevated collagenase activity.