Anti-inflammatory Effect of Atorvastatin in Atherosclerotic Plaques Assessed by FDG-PET Imaging

Effect of Atorvastatin on Inflammatory Atherosclerotic Plaques Assessed by FDG-PET Imaging

The purpose of this study is to determine whether HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, atorvastatin attenuates inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques detected by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG) PET.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects with accumulation of FDG-PET in carotid artery or aorta

Exclusion Criteria:

• LDL cholesterol level (calculated by using Friedewald formula) higher than 180 mg/dl or less than 120 mg/dl
• subjects currently taking HMG CoA-reductase (Statins) or fibrates
• symptomatic coronary artery diseases
• symptomatic cerebrovascular diseases
• subjects suffered from myocardial infarction or stroke within 6 months
• subjects underwent percutaneous vascular interventions or vascular operations within 6 months
• diabetic patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c>8.5)
• hypertensive patients with poor blood pressure control
• subjects with neoplasms
• subjects with systemic inflammatory diseases