Pathophysiology of coronary artery disease: the case for multiparametric imaging

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Medical Diagnostics
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) interventions require precise targeting for optimal efficacy and safety.
• Traditional coronary contrast angiography has limitations in fully assessing CAD effects.
• Emerging imaging modalities offer reduced radiation and invasiveness, providing crucial supplementary data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and developing imaging techniques for coronary anatomy and myocardial viability.
• To evaluate the benefits and limitations of various imaging modalities in CAD assessment.
• To project future optimal imaging strategies for CAD over the next five years.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on coronary angiography, MRI, and other imaging techniques.
• Analysis of multiparametric imaging capabilities for assessing anatomy, viability, and lesion activity.
• Discussion of molecularly targeted imaging for active coronary lesions.

Main Results:

• Current imaging techniques provide valuable but incomplete information for CAD management.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the closest technology to achieving ideal multiparametric assessment.
• Limitations exist in current MRI technology, with ongoing advancements expected.

Conclusions:

• Improved imaging is crucial for targeted CAD interventions and minimizing adverse effects.
• Multiparametric imaging, particularly MRI, is advancing towards comprehensive assessment of coronary anatomy, viability, and lesion activity.
• Future strategies will likely integrate advanced imaging for personalized and effective CAD treatment.