Vessel growth and function: depiction with contrast-enhanced MR imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a noninvasive diagnostic tool.
• It provides morphologic, functional, and metabolic information.
• MR imaging is applicable to the entire human body.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review MR imaging techniques for visualizing established and developing vasculature.
• To describe methods involving intravenously administered contrast agents.
• To discuss the exploitation of microvascular properties.

Main Methods:

• Review of MR imaging techniques for macrovascular and microvascular assessment.
• Use of intravenously administered contrast agents.
• Analysis of vessel size distribution, hyperpermeability, flow heterogeneity, and endothelial biomarkers.

Main Results:

• MR imaging can depict macrovascular morphology and flow.
• It can exploit microvascular properties like size distribution and hyperpermeability.
• Established and developing vasculature can be visualized.

Conclusions:

• Contrast-enhanced MR imaging offers comprehensive visualization of blood vessel growth and function.
• Understanding potential pitfalls and future developments is crucial.
• MR imaging is a versatile tool for vascular assessment.