fludeoxyglucose F18

Fludeoxyglucose F18 (18F-FDG) is a positron-emitting radiopharmaceutical and glucose analog used for diagnostic PET imaging. It is transported into cells by glucose transporters (primarily GLUT1 and GLUT3) and subsequently phosphorylated by hexokinase into 18F-FDG-6-phosphate. Because it lacks the 2-hydroxyl group necessary for further glycolysis, the molecule becomes metabolically trapped within the cell, allowing for the visualization of metabolic activity. In the context of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) research at Washington University School of Medicine, 18F-FDG is utilized to visualize and quantify vascular wall inflammation, specifically the metabolic activity of macrophages. This imaging approach, often combined with finite element analysis (FEA), aims to improve the prediction of aneurysm expansion and rupture risk beyond simple diameter measurements.

Brand names

Flucis

Other names

2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucosefludeoxyglucose (18F)fluorodeoxyglucose F18