Molecular imaging in myocardial fibrosis

With the development of life science and medical technology, myocardial fibrosis is being increasingly recognized as a new therapeutic target for heart diseases. However, traditional methods for detection of myocardial fibrosis, such as myocardial biopsy and laboratory assay of serum metabolites or enzymes, are not satisfactory in meeting the clinical demands because of their intrinsic limitations. Molecular imaging may non-invasively and quantitatively evaluate the presence/absence, degree and turnover of myocardial fibrosis in vivo with good specificity, thus being useful for clinical assessment and intervention. Currently, the commonly used molecular imaging modalities for evaluation of myocardial fibrosis include SPECT, PET and MRI. It is hopeful that the molecular probe for targeted ultrasound technology may also be developed in the near future. This review highlights the current status and future trends of molecular imaging in myocardial fibrosis. (authors)