Does [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET imaging characterize the intensity, distribution, and time-course of fibroblast activation in patients after acute myocardial infarction?
Myocardial fibroblast activation, as measured by [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET, peaks within a week post-MI, extends beyond the infarct region, and is associated with adverse left ventricular remodeling.
BACKGROUND: Ga]-FAPI) is a novel positron-emitting radiotracer that binds activated fibroblasts. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the intensity, distribution, and time-course of fibroblast activation after acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Ga]FAPI-46 uptake and late gadolinium enhancement, respectively. RESULTS: Ga]FAPI-46 uptake was associated with left ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial fibroblast activation peaks within a week of acute myocardial infarction and extends beyond the infarct region. It declines slowly with time, persists for years, and is associated with subsequent left ventricular remodeling. (PROFILE-MI-The FAPI Fibrosis Study; NCT05356923).
Barton et al. (Wed,) studied this question.