Molecular Calcification Imaging and Ascending Aortic Disease in Patients With a Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Can fluorine F 18–labeled ([18F])–sodium fluoride positron emission tomography help identify a diseased aortic wall in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve?In this cohort study of 76 participants with a bicuspid aortic valve, low aortic wall [18F]–sodium fluoride uptake was associated with faster ascending aortic growth rate independent of baseline diameter. Higher [18F]–sodium fluoride uptake was also associated with a stiff and slow growing aortic wall phenotype.These findings suggest that [18F]–sodium fluoride can identify disease activity within the ascending aorta, with the potential to improve patient selection for prophylactic aortic surgery.

Corresponding Author: Alexander J. Fletcher, MBChB, PhD, British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, 126 University Place, Room 340, Level 3, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TD, United Kingdom (alexander.fletcher.2@glasgow.ac.uk).

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