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Imaging of aortic atherosclerosis
1Istituto di Radiologia, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Largo A. Gemelli, 00168, Roma.
Insights
Assessing aortic atherosclerosis with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is crucial for predicting cardiovascular events. Both MRI and TEE show strong agreement in evaluating thoracic aortic plaques.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Aortic atherosclerosis is linked to major cardiovascular events.
- Accurate assessment of plaque degree and extent is diagnostically valuable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI and TEE in assessing thoracic aortic atherosclerosis.
- To compare the agreement between MRI and TEE in characterizing atherosclerotic plaques.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) including T1, proton density, and T2-weighted sequences.
- Employed Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) as a primary tool for thoracic aortic atheroma study.
- Applied American Heart Association criteria for grading advanced atherosclerotic lesions.
Main Results:
- MRI and TEE can identify elementary plaque components.
- Advanced atherosclerotic lesions were graded using established criteria.
- A close agreement was observed between MRI and TEE assessments of thoracic aortic atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Both MRI and TEE are effective in assessing thoracic aortic atherosclerosis.
- The findings support the use of both modalities for comprehensive cardiovascular risk evaluation.
Abstract:
Aortic atherosclerosis correlates with future major cardiovascular events and the assessment of its degree and extent has important diagnostic value. Many imaging modalities can be used to assess atherosclerotic plaques. While Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is the procedure of choice for the study of thoracic aortic atheromas, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool. MR study of aortic plaques requires T1, proton density and T2-weighed images. MR-angiography allows a comprehensive study of the aorta. Elementary plaque components of aortic atherosclerosis are identified with MRI and TEE; advanced lesions can be graded according to the America Heart Association criteria. MRI and TEE assessment of thoracic aortic atherosclerosis has demonstrated close agreement.