Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Dendrimer-based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
11:27

Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Dendrimer-based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Published on: December 4, 2016

Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents for Vessel Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Atherosclerosis

Claudia Calcagno1, Sarayu Ramachandran, Antoine Millon

  • 1Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1234, New York, NY 10029, USA, Department of Radiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.

Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports
|March 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Gadolinium-chelates (Gd) are revolutionizing atherosclerosis detection. These MRI contrast agents help identify high-risk individuals non-invasively, improving cardiovascular disease management.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Imaging
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of global mortality.
  • Early detection of asymptomatic individuals is crucial for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention.
  • Advances in molecular understanding of atherosclerosis enable novel diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review gadolinium-chelate (Gd) based contrast agents for non-invasive magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of atherosclerosis.
  • To discuss the application of Gd agents in characterizing atherosclerotic plaques.
  • To highlight the potential of targeted contrast agents in understanding atherosclerotic processes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of FDA-approved non-targeted Gd agents used in clinical practice.
  • Description of non-specific and specific targeted Gd contrast agents for atherosclerosis.
  • Comparison of Gd-based agents with other MRI contrast agents and imaging modalities.

Main Results:

  • Gd-based contrast agents are valuable for in vivo characterization of atherosclerotic processes.
  • Non-targeted agents are used for neovascularization, while targeted agents offer specific biological insights.
  • Gd agents show promise for improved plaque characterization and early detection.

Conclusions:

  • Gadolinium-chelates offer significant potential for non-invasive MR imaging of atherosclerosis.
  • Targeted Gd agents can dissect specific molecular pathways in the atherosclerotic cascade.
  • These agents represent a significant advancement in identifying high-risk individuals for cardiovascular disease.

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisCE-MRIContrast agentDCE-MRIGadoliniumGdImagingMRIMagnetic resonance imagingNon-specific contrast agentsSpecific non-targeted contrast agentsSpecific targeted contrast agents

More Related Videos

Microwave-driven Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Fast Detection of Atherosclerosis08:13

Microwave-driven Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Fast Detection of Atherosclerosis

Published on: March 22, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging01:24

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI01:14

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI

Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging01:27

Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, can include a specialized imaging technique of the urinary system known as Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU). This radiation-free technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images with the help of a computer. MRU is particularly effective for visualizing fluid-filled structures like the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.Applications of MRI in the Genitourinary SystemKidneys and Ureters: MRI detects tumors, cysts,...
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging01:19

Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging

DefinitionRenal angiography, also known as renal arteriography, is an imaging technique used to obtain a comprehensive view of blood flow and the vascular structure of blood vessels in the kidneys and surrounding areas.PurposeRenal angiography detects blood vessel abnormalities in the kidneys, such as aneurysms, stenosis, thrombosis, vascular tumors, and renal artery stenosis. It evaluates kidney function and guides interventional treatments like angioplasty or stent placement.Pre-Procedure...