Molecular Imaging of Acute Cardiac Transplant Rejection: Animal Experiments and Prospects

Transplantation. 2017 Sep;101(9):1977-1986. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000001780.

Abstract

Acute rejection (AR) remains the biggest challenge during the first year after heart transplantation despite advances in immunosuppressive therapy. The early detection and curbing of AR are crucial to the survival of transplant recipients. However, as the criterion standard for AR, endomyocardial biopsy has several limitations because of its inherent invasiveness and morbidity. Traditional imaging techniques, such as echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, are of certain value for AR, but their diagnostic criteria and accuracy remain in question. Molecular imaging sheds new light on AR diagnosis because it can provide information about gene expression and the location of molecules and cells. This article reviews the latest research and applications of several typical modalities of molecular imaging used in AR and discusses their advantages and disadvantages.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Cardiac Imaging Techniques*
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Echocardiography
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genetic Markers
  • Graft Rejection / diagnostic imaging*
  • Graft Rejection / genetics
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Optical Imaging
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / administration & dosage
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Genetic Markers
  • Radiopharmaceuticals