Locking and loading the bullet against micro-calcification

Despite recent medical advances, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. As (micro)-calcification is a hallmark of atherosclerosis, this review will elaborately discuss advantages of sodium fluoride positron emission tomography (PET) as a reliable cardiovascular imaging...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of preventive cardiology 2020-03, p.2047487320911138
Main Authors: Florea, Alexandru, Morgenroth, Agnieszka, Bucerius, Jan, Schurgers, Leon J, Mottaghy, Felix M
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Despite recent medical advances, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. As (micro)-calcification is a hallmark of atherosclerosis, this review will elaborately discuss advantages of sodium fluoride positron emission tomography (PET) as a reliable cardiovascular imaging technique for identifying the early onset of vascular calcification (i.e. locking onto the target). We assess state-of-the-art meta-analysis and clinical studies of possible treatment options and evaluate the concept of vitamin K supplementation to preserve vascular health (i.e. loading the bullet). After a structured PubMed search, we identified F-sodium fluoride ( F-NaF) PET as the most suitable technique for detecting micro-calcification. Presenting the pros and cons of available treatments, vitamin K supplementation should be considered as a possible safe and cost-effective option to inhibit vascular (micro)-calcification. This review demonstrates need for more extensive research in the concept of vitamin K supplementation (i.e. loading the bullet) and recommends monitoring the effects on vascular calcification using F-NaF PET (i.e. locking onto the target).
ISSN:2047-4881