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MRI and characterization of atherosclerotic plaque: emerging applications and molecular imaging
Robin P Choudhury1, Valentin Fuster, Juan J Badimon
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Abstract:
Noninvasive high-resolution magnetic resonance has the potential to image atherosclerotic plaque and to determine its composition and microanatomy. This review summarizes the rationale for plaque imaging and describes the characteristics of plaque by use of existing MRI techniques. The use of MRI in human disease and in animal models, particularly in rabbits and mice, is presented. Present and future applications of MRI, including real-time vascular intervention, new contrast agents, and molecular imaging, are also discussed.
Insights
High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a noninvasive method to visualize atherosclerotic plaque and analyze its composition. This review covers current MRI techniques, their application in human diseases and animal models, and future potential.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Atherosclerotic plaque imaging is crucial for understanding cardiovascular disease progression.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides high-resolution, noninvasive visualization of plaque.
- Characterizing plaque composition and microanatomy is key to risk stratification.
Discussion:
- Current MRI techniques enable detailed plaque assessment in human subjects.
- Animal models (rabbits, mice) are vital for preclinical MRI studies of atherosclerosis.
- MRI facilitates the study of plaque vulnerability and rupture mechanisms.
Key Insights:
- MRI can differentiate plaque components like lipid core, fibrous cap, and calcification.
- Advanced MRI sequences reveal microstructural features such as intraplaque hemorrhage.
- Quantitative MRI parameters correlate with plaque instability.
Outlook:
- Future MRI applications include real-time image-guided vascular interventions.
- Novel contrast agents will enhance plaque-specific molecular imaging.
- Molecular imaging aims to detect early cellular changes in atherosclerotic lesions.