Imaging of myocardial microvasculature using fast computed tomography and three-dimensional microscopic computed...

In the past, much attention in imaging research was focused on the macroscopic morphology and patency of arteries. Only recently, research and clinical interest have shifted to the microcirculation and its impact on the long-term prognosis in patients with vascular diseases. This focus and newly developed therapeutic strategies require high-resolution imaging modalities, which do not focus exclusively on the macroscopic aspects of the arterial tree. Provided here is a comprehensive perspective of using computed tomography technology to image and quantify the function and morphology of myocardial and vascular adventitial microvessels in normal and disease states.