Principles and Methods of Molecular Imaging in Stroke

Molecular imaging is defined as the in vivo measurement of biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels [1]. The technique visualizes pathophysiologic processes noninvasively in real time, with the potential for serial monitoring, and provides information regarding specific molecular alterations underlying the disease status of individual subjects. By complementing conventional "anatomical or physiological" imaging, molecular imaging enables early detection of disease, staging of disease, and quantitative assessment of therapeutic response. Molecular imaging also contributes to the understanding of stroke pathophysiology in living animals and humans. This chapter describes the principles and methods of molecular imaging techniques, while providing a translational perspective in stroke.