Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 25, 2026

In vivo Near Infrared Fluorescence NIRF Intravascular Molecular Imaging of Inflammatory Plaque, a Multimodal Approach to Imaging of Atherosclerosis
09:43

In vivo Near Infrared Fluorescence NIRF Intravascular Molecular Imaging of Inflammatory Plaque, a Multimodal Approach to Imaging of Atherosclerosis

Published on: August 4, 2011

18.7K

Intracoronary Imaging in the Detection of Vulnerable Plaques

Jonathan A Batty1,2, Shristy Subba3, Peter Luke4

  • 1Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, 3rd Floor, William Leech Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK. Jonathan.Batty@newcastle.ac.uk.

Current Cardiology Reports
|February 17, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Vulnerable coronary plaques, not just blockages, cause heart attacks. New intracoronary imaging techniques offer detailed plaque evaluation beyond traditional angiography.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease involves atherosclerotic changes, inflammation, and lipid-rich foam cells.
  • Vulnerable plaques can rupture, causing acute coronary syndrome, but angiography misses these.
  • Limitations of angiography necessitate advanced intracoronary imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current status of intracoronary imaging technologies.
  • To summarize evidence-based clinical guidelines for plaque imaging.
  • To discuss future directions in intracoronary plaque imaging.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current intracoronary imaging technologies: intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and near-infrared spectroscopy.
  • Analysis of up-to-date, evidence-based clinical guidelines.
  • Discussion of unresolved questions in the field.

Main Results:

  • Intracoronary imaging allows detailed evaluation of coronary wall and plaque characteristics.
  • These technologies can identify non-stenotic, vulnerable plaques missed by angiography.
  • Current guidelines incorporate these advanced imaging modalities.

Conclusions:

  • Intracoronary imaging is crucial for evaluating vulnerable plaques and guiding treatment.
  • Further research is needed to optimize the use and interpretation of these technologies.
  • These advancements promise improved management of coronary artery disease.

Keywords:
Coronary artery diseaseImagingInterventional cardiologyIntravascular ultrasonographyNear-infrared spectroscopyOptical coherence tomography

More Related Videos

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

4.7K
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

16.3K

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
783
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
414
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...
536
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
630
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography

Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for...
834
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
1.5K