Molecular Imaging of Angiogenesis in Cardiac Regeneration

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocardial infarction (MI) leading to heart failure displays an important cause of death worldwide. Adequate restoration of blood flow to prevent this transition is a crucial factor to improve long-term morbidity and mortality. Novel regenerative therapies have been thoroughly investigated within the past decades. RECENT FINDINGS: Increased angiogenesis in infarcted myocardium has shown beneficial effects on the prognosis of MI; therefore, the proangiogenic capacity of currently tested treatments is of specific interest. Molecular imaging to visualize formation of new blood vessels in vivo displays a promising option to monitor proangiogenic effects of regenerative substances. SUMMARY: Based on encouraging results in preclinical models, molecular angiogenesis imaging has recently been applied in a small set of patients. This article reviews recent literature on noninvasive in vivo molecular imaging of angiogenesis after MI as an integral part of cardiac regeneration.