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A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis
09:36

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Published on: August 12, 2025

MRI of carotid atherosclerosis: clinical implications and future directions

Hunter R Underhill1, Thomas S Hatsukami, Zahi A Fayad

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Washington, 815 Mercer Street, Box 358050, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. hunterru@u.washington.edu

Nature Reviews. Cardiology
|January 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerosis is a complex disease. Carotid MRI offers noninvasive imaging to assess plaque components and track disease progression, aiding in identifying high-risk individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Translational Medicine

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Current understanding of plaque biology and high-risk indicators requires further development.
  • Noninvasive imaging is crucial for tracking disease progression and regression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the role of carotid MRI in evaluating atherosclerotic plaque.
  • To identify key indicators of lesion severity visualized by carotid MRI.
  • To discuss emerging MRI methods for assessing other plaque aspects.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing carotid MRI as a noninvasive imaging modality.
  • Histological validation of MRI findings.
  • Quantitative evaluation of in vivo plaque morphology and composition.

Main Results:

  • Carotid MRI can track atherosclerosis progression and regression.
  • Intraplaque hemorrhage and lipid-rich necrotic core are key indicators of lesion severity.
  • Emerging MRI techniques show potential for imaging inflammation, neovascularization, and mechanical forces.

Conclusions:

  • Carotid MRI is a valuable tool for assessing atherosclerotic plaque.
  • Further development of MRI techniques can enhance understanding of atherosclerosis pathophysiology.
  • Identifying high-risk individuals through advanced imaging is critical for improved patient outcomes.

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