Atherosclerotic plaque inflammation can be imaged using FDG-PET. This dissertation explores the use of FDG-PET to visualize and quantify inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques. Inflammation is a key factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, with macrophage-rich plaques being more prone to rupture. Current imaging techniques, such as x-ray contrast angiography, provide information about plaque size and location but not inflammation. FDG-PET, which detects glucose uptake, is a promising non-invasive method for assessing plaque inflammation. In vitro studies showed that macrophages and monocytes take up FDG in proportion to their metabolic activity. In vivo studies in patients with carotid disease confirmed FDG accumulation in macrophage-rich areas. FDG-PET imaging in patients with transient ischaemic attack showed higher FDG uptake in symptomatic plaques compared to asymptomatic ones. A rabbit model of atherosclerosis was used to investigate the potential of FDG-PET for monitoring atheroma progression and regression. While FDG-PET could detect atheroma, full quantification was limited by the microPET system's inability to perform attenuation correction. Overall, FDG-PET successfully imaged atherosclerotic plaque inflammation in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Pilot data from an experimental study in rabbits suggested that serial FDG-PET imaging could be useful for monitoring the effects of antiatheroma drugs. The study highlights the potential of FDG-PET as a tool for assessing atherosclerosis and monitoring treatment responses.Atherosclerotic plaque inflammation can be imaged using FDG-PET. This dissertation explores the use of FDG-PET to visualize and quantify inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques. Inflammation is a key factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, with macrophage-rich plaques being more prone to rupture. Current imaging techniques, such as x-ray contrast angiography, provide information about plaque size and location but not inflammation. FDG-PET, which detects glucose uptake, is a promising non-invasive method for assessing plaque inflammation. In vitro studies showed that macrophages and monocytes take up FDG in proportion to their metabolic activity. In vivo studies in patients with carotid disease confirmed FDG accumulation in macrophage-rich areas. FDG-PET imaging in patients with transient ischaemic attack showed higher FDG uptake in symptomatic plaques compared to asymptomatic ones. A rabbit model of atherosclerosis was used to investigate the potential of FDG-PET for monitoring atheroma progression and regression. While FDG-PET could detect atheroma, full quantification was limited by the microPET system's inability to perform attenuation correction. Overall, FDG-PET successfully imaged atherosclerotic plaque inflammation in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Pilot data from an experimental study in rabbits suggested that serial FDG-PET imaging could be useful for monitoring the effects of antiatheroma drugs. The study highlights the potential of FDG-PET as a tool for assessing atherosclerosis and monitoring treatment responses.