Novel Radiotracers for Molecular Imaging of Myocardial Inflammation: an Update Focused on Clinical Translation of Non-18F-FDG Radiotracers

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this paper is to provide a focused update on recent advances in non-18F-FDG radiotracers for myocardial inflammatory diseases, with a focus on cardiac sarcoidosis and myocarditis. Recent Findings: Novel radiotracers targeting molecular features of inflammation have the potential to visualize underlying molecular mechanisms key to the pathogenesis of inflammatory cardiomyopathies such as sarcoidosis and myocarditis. These radiotracers may provide unique opportunities for improved mechanistic insight, higher specificity, and better quantification of disease activity, as well as potential for guidance and monitoring of immunomodulatory therapies. Summary: Novel radiotracers provide unique possibilities in diagnosis, prognostic performance, and therapy guidance for cardiac sarcoidosis and myocarditis.