METHOD FOR DETECTING CORONARY ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION AND EARLY ATHEROSCLEROSIS
First Claim
1. A method of detecting endothelin receptor A mediated coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction in an asymptomatic subject, comprising:
- (a) obtaining a first set of noninvasive cardiac PT perfusion images of the subject;
(b) analyzing the cardiac PET perfusion images obtained in step (a), wherein said analyzing comprises applying Markovian homogeneity analysis to said first set of images, to yield a first result comprising an initial myocardial perfusion homogeneity index;
(c) administering at least one selective endothelin receptor A antagonist to said subject;
(d) obtaining a second set of noninvasive cardiac PET perfusion images of said subject after said administration of said antagonist;
(e) analyzing the cardiac PET perfusion images obtained in step (d), wherein said analyzing comprises applying Markovian homogeneity analysis to said second set of images, to yield a second result comprising a second myocardial perfusion homogeneity index; and
(f) comparing said first and second results to detect improvement of myocardial perfusion homogeneity, or lack thereof, in said subject, wherein a result of improved myocardial perfusion homogeneity after administration of said antagonist indicates the presence of endothelin receptor A mediated coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction in said subject.
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Abstract
A method of detecting endothelin receptor A mediated coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction in an asymptomatic subject is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining sets of noninvasive cardiac PET perfusion images of the subject before and after administration of selective endothelin receptor A (ETA receptor) antagonist. The images are analyzed, including application of applying Markovian homogeneity analysis, and the results are compared to detect improvement, or lack of improvement, of myocardial perfusion homogeneity in the subject. A result of improved myocardial perfusion homogeneity after administration of the antagonist indicates the presence of ETA receptor-mediated microvascular endothelial dysfunction in the subject and indicates therapeutic treatment to improve endothelial function and/or to reduce coronary artery disease risk factors.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of detecting endothelin receptor A mediated coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction in an asymptomatic subject, comprising:
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(a) obtaining a first set of noninvasive cardiac PT perfusion images of the subject; (b) analyzing the cardiac PET perfusion images obtained in step (a), wherein said analyzing comprises applying Markovian homogeneity analysis to said first set of images, to yield a first result comprising an initial myocardial perfusion homogeneity index; (c) administering at least one selective endothelin receptor A antagonist to said subject; (d) obtaining a second set of noninvasive cardiac PET perfusion images of said subject after said administration of said antagonist; (e) analyzing the cardiac PET perfusion images obtained in step (d), wherein said analyzing comprises applying Markovian homogeneity analysis to said second set of images, to yield a second result comprising a second myocardial perfusion homogeneity index; and (f) comparing said first and second results to detect improvement of myocardial perfusion homogeneity, or lack thereof, in said subject, wherein a result of improved myocardial perfusion homogeneity after administration of said antagonist indicates the presence of endothelin receptor A mediated coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction in said subject. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification