Progression and regression of atherosclerotic lesions: monitoring with serial noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Atherosclerosis Research
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Lipid-lowering therapies' clinical benefits may stem from modifying atherosclerotic plaques.
• Quantifying plaque composition via imaging can identify vulnerable lesions and track therapeutic effects.
• The study aimed to use serial noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor atherosclerotic plaque changes in a rabbit model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the capability of serial noninvasive MRI in monitoring atherosclerotic plaque burden and composition.
• To evaluate plaque changes during both atherosclerosis progression and regression phases.
• To establish the correlation between MRI findings and histopathology.

Main Methods:

• Aortic atherosclerosis was induced in rabbits.
• Rabbits were divided into atherosclerosis progression (atherogenic diet) and regression (normal chow) groups for 6 months.
• Serial MRI of the aorta was performed at baseline, 9 months, and 15 months, followed by histopathologic correlation.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in atherosclerotic burden in the regression group and increase in the progression group (P<0.0001).
• Significant reduction in plaque lipidic component in the regression group and increase in the progression group (P<0.001).
• Strong correlation (P<0.001) between MRI and histopathology for plaque burden and composition.

Conclusions:

• Serial noninvasive MRI is effective in monitoring atherosclerotic plaque composition.
• The study demonstrates MRI's utility in tracking plaque changes during progression and regression.
• Findings support MRI as a valuable tool for evaluating therapeutic interventions in atherosclerosis.