Noninvasive Detection of Plaque Instability with Use of Radiolabeled Annexin A5 in Patients with Carotid-Artery Atherosclerosis

Abstract

To the Editor: Although progressive stenosis of the arterial lumen constitutes the basis for ischemic symptoms in atherosclerotic vascular disease, acute vascular events are for the most part associated with instability of the plaque and formation of an occlusive thrombus.1 Apoptosis of smooth-muscle cells and of macrophages in the plaque has been causally linked to plaque rupture.2 Therefore, we reasoned that noninvasive detection of apoptosis could be used to identify instability of atherosclerotic plaques. We have recently demonstrated the feasibility of the noninvasive detection of apoptosis, using technetium-99m–labeled annexin A5 (previously referred to as annexin V), in experimental atherosclerotic lesions. . . .