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MRI of atherothrombosis associated with plaque rupture

Jason Viereck1, Frederick L Ruberg, Ye Qiao

  • 1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|November 6, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect plaque rupture-associated thrombi. Diffusion-weighted imaging offers the best contrast for identifying these platelet-rich clots noninvasively.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Translational Medicine

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis involves plaque rupture and thrombus formation, a critical event in cardiovascular disease.
  • Noninvasive imaging is crucial for understanding and diagnosing plaque rupture-associated thrombosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of plaque rupture-associated thrombi.
  • To differentiate these thrombi from the vessel lumen and underlying atherosclerotic plaque.
  • To evaluate diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for thrombus detection.

Main Methods:

  • Plaque rupture was induced in New Zealand White rabbits.
  • Atherothrombi and red cell-rich thrombi were analyzed using standard T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences.
  • Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was employed to assess thrombus conspicuity.
  • Histological validation of thrombus composition (platelet-rich) was performed.

Main Results:

  • Atherothrombi exhibited complex MRI signals with intermediate intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images, often blending with the aortic wall.
  • Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) demonstrated restricted diffusion within the atherothrombus, providing excellent contrast against the vessel wall.
  • The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the thrombus was measured at 1.0x10(-3) mm2/s.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first detailed MRI description of platelet-rich thrombi associated with plaque rupture.
  • Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is superior for distinguishing atherothrombi from the vessel wall.
  • DWI holds significant potential for noninvasive in vivo detection of atherothrombosis.

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