MR Imaging of Coronary Arteries and Plaques
Marc R Dweck1, Valentina Puntman2, Alex T Vesey3
1Translation Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount-Sinai, New York, New York; British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Insights
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides radiation-free coronary artery imaging for assessing atherosclerosis. Advanced techniques are needed to overcome technical challenges for routine clinical use in risk stratification and treatment guidance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Technology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) offers potential for non-invasive coronary artery imaging.
- Current methods provide insights into luminal stenosis, plaque burden, and high-risk plaque features.
- Comprehensive assessment of coronary atherosclerosis is crucial for patient risk stratification and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of cardiac magnetic resonance for coronary artery imaging.
- To discuss the capabilities and limitations of this technology.
- To outline future requirements for clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and technological advancements in cardiac magnetic resonance for coronary imaging.
- Analysis of data acquisition and post-processing techniques.
- Evaluation of current clinical applications and challenges.
Main Results:
- CMR can assess coronary atherosclerosis, including stenosis, plaque burden, and high-risk characteristics.
- Technical challenges in data acquisition and post-processing currently limit widespread adoption.
- The technology holds promise for individualized patient assessment and treatment guidance.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac magnetic resonance is a developing technology for comprehensive coronary atherosclerosis evaluation.
- Overcoming technical hurdles is essential for integrating CMR into routine clinical practice.
- Further advancements are needed to fully realize CMR's potential in cardiovascular medicine.
Abstract:
Cardiac magnetic resonance offers the promise of radiation-free imaging of the coronary arteries, providing information with respect to luminal stenosis, plaque burden, high-risk plaque characteristics, and disease activity. In combination, this would provide a comprehensive, individualized assessment of coronary atherosclerosis that could be used to improve patient risk stratification and to guide treatment. However, the technical challenges involved with delivering upon this promise are considerable, requiring sophisticated approaches to both data acquisition and post-processing. In this review, we describe the current status of this technology, its capabilities, its limitations, and what will be required in the future to translate this technology into routine clinical practice.
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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...