Effect of ezetimibe-simvastatine over endothelial dysfunction in dyslipidemic patients: assessment by 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography.

Background Dyslipidemias constitute an independent risk factor for the development of atherogenesis and they also predispose to the development of endothelial dysfunction (ED). Using PET with 13N-ammonia, it is possible to quantify myocardial blood flow (MBF) in mL/min/g and to quantitatively evaluate ED. With the use of lipid lowering therapy it is possible to reduce ED and increase the MBF and the endothelial-dependent vasodilation index (ENDEVI). In this study, we aimed to evaluate with 13N-ammonia PET the benefic effects of the combined treatment ezetimibe/simvastatine on the endothelial function of dyslipidemic patients after 8 weeks of treatment.