Introduction: Our study aimed to investigate the effect of atorvastatin on plaque calcification by matching the results obtained by 18 F-sodium fluoride ( 18 F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) with data from histologic sections.
Methods and Results:The rabbits were divided into 2 groups as follows: an atherosclerosis group (n = 10) and an atorvastatin group (n = 10). All rabbits underwent an abdominal aortic operation and were fed a high-fat diet to induce atherosclerosis. Plasma samples were used to analyze serum inflammation markers and blood lipid levels. 18 F-NaF PET/CT scans were performed twice. The plaque area, macrophage number and calcification were measured, and the data from the pathological sections were matched with the 18 F-NaF PET/CT scan results. The mean standardized uptake value (0.725 6 0.126 vs. 0.603 6 0.071, P , 0.001) and maximum standardized uptake value (1.024 6 0.116 vs. 0.854 6 0.091, P , 0.001) significantly increased in the atherosclerosis group, but only slightly increased in the atorvastatin group (0.616 6 0.103 vs. 0.613 6 0.094, P = 0.384; 0.853 6 0.099 vs.0.837 6 0.089, P , 0.001, respectively). The total calcium density was significantly increased in rabbits treated with atorvastatin compared with rabbits not treated with atorvastatin (1.64 6 0.90 vs. 0.49 6 0.35, P , 0.001), but the microcalcification level was significantly lower. There were more microcalcification deposits in the areas with increased radioactive uptake of 18 F-NaF.
Conclusions:Our study suggests that the anti-inflammatory activity of atorvastatin may promote macrocalcification but not microcalcification within atherosclerotic plaques. 18 F-NaF PET/CT can detect plaque microcalcifications.