[¹⁸F]NaF PET/CT as a Marker for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications in Bone Disorders

Abstract

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic bone disorder characterized by episodic flare-ups in connective tissue, which are frequently followed by the formation of heterotopic ossification. The absence of available plasma-soluble biomarkers for flare-ups or heterotopic bone formation poses severe challenges to the monitoring of disease activity to measure or predict disease progression. Recently, 18-fluor-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]NaF PET/CT) was introduced as a potential marker for ossifying FOP activity. This review discusses the pharmacokinetics of [18F]NaF in relation to the pathophysiology of FOP, and its use as a marker of local bone metabolism in a variety of bone-related disorders. In addition, the review specifically addresses the applicability of [18F]NaF PET/CT imaging in FOP as a monitoring modality.

Keywords

• fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
• ¹⁸F-sodium fluoride (¹⁸F-NaF)
• heterotopic ossification
• musculoskeletal development
• osteoblasts
• positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT)