Rosuvastatin Effect on Atherosclerotic Plaque Metabolism

Atherosclerotic plaque uptake of 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) in positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET-CT) was recently shown to correlate with clinical instability in patients with CV disease. We hypothesize that rosuvastatin reduces 18F-NaF plaque uptake. Our group will scan coronary, aortic and carotid arteries of high-risk CV subjects with 18F- NaF-PET-CT. Individuals with 18F-NaF-positive plaques will be treated with rosuvastatin for six months, followed by 18F-NaF-PET-CT re-evaluation.