Imaging fibroblast activation in atherosclerosis using PET

PET Imaging of Fibroblast Activation in Carotid and Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease

Observational Peking Union Medical College Hospital · NCT06280287

This study is testing a special imaging technique to see if it can help doctors understand how active certain cells are in heart and neck artery blockages, which could help predict the risk of serious heart problems in patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorPeking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing)
Trial IDNCT06280287 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the activation of fibroblasts in carotid and coronary atherosclerosis using positron emission tomography (PET) with a specific tracer, 68Ga-FAPI-04. It aims to correlate the in-vivo imaging results with histological markers of plaque vulnerability and clinical outcomes. The study focuses on patients with varying degrees of carotid stenosis and those with stable ischemic heart disease or acute coronary syndrome. By assessing fibroblast activation, the study seeks to enhance understanding of plaque stability and risk of rupture.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis greater than 50% or asymptomatic carotid stenosis greater than 70%, as well as those with stable ischemic heart disease or acute coronary syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, lactating, or have contraindications to MRI or CTA will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved risk stratification and management of patients with atherosclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of PET imaging for fibroblast activation is a novel approach, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in assessing atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* For the carotid stenosis group: patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis with \>50% stenosis on carotid CTA; OR patients with unsymptomatic carotid stenosis with \>70% stenosis on carotid CTA
* For CAD group: patients with stable ischemic heart disease OR acute coronary syndrome, including ST-elevation MId, non-ST elevation MI, and unstable angina
* signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy, lactation, or intention to become pregnant during the study
* Contradiction to MRI or CTA

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Atherosclerosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.