Objective:Impaired renal function causes both increased and prolonged tracer availability in the blood-pool which might result in increased tracer accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate a possible correlation between the intensity of tracer uptake in atherosclerotic lesions and renal function.Methods:Data from 50 [18F]-FDG scans were visually evaluated for tracer uptake in vessel wall alterations. Lesions were analyzed semiquantitatively by determining the blood-pool standardized uptake values (SUVblood-pools), maximum SUVs (SUVmaxs), and the target-to-background ratio (TBR). These parameters were tested for correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and cardiovascular risk factors.Results:Both SUVblood-pools (rs = −0.32, p = 0.03) and SUVmaxs for [18F]-FDG (rs = −0.50, p < 0.0001) showed a significant negative correlation with eGFR. TBRs for [18F]-FDG demonstrated a significant positive correlation with eGFRs (rs = 0.21, p = 0.02).Conclusion:This study found that both intravascular tracer availability (SUVblood-pool) and intralesional tracer uptake (SUVmax) are influenced by renal function. Calculation of TBR to account for that effect may result in overcorrection in case of [18F]-FDG. Renal insufficiency or subclinical changes in renal function have to be considered as a confounding factor in PET of atherosclerotic lesions.