Visualization of Atherosclerotic Plaques Paired with Joheksol 350 (Omnipaque)
Piotr Wańczura1, Wiktoria Mytych2, Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher3
1Department of Cardiology, Medical College of Sciences, The Rzeszów University, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland.
Insights
This study introduces a new, non-destructive method using MRI and an iodine stain to visualize and characterize atherosclerotic plaques, offering a promising alternative to traditional histology for cardiovascular disease research.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Cardiovascular research
- Histopathology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of death, primarily driven by atherosclerosis.
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory blood vessel disease characterized by plaque buildup and potential rupture.
- Current histology methods for assessing atherosclerotic lesions are destructive, limiting further analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel, nondestructive method for visualizing and characterizing atherosclerotic lesions.
- To assess the efficacy of MRI combined with an iodine-based radiopaque stain for plaque characterization.
- To compare this novel method with conventional histology while preserving sample integrity.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was employed for arterial lesion visualization.
- An iodine-based radiopaque stain was used in conjunction with MRI.
- The method aimed to provide whole-volume data of atherosclerotic plaques.
Main Results:
- The MRI and iodine stain combination effectively characterized atherosclerotic plaques.
- The novel method provided data comparable to routine histology.
- Sample integrity was maintained, allowing for further tissue analysis.
Conclusions:
- MRI paired with an iodine-based radiopaque stain offers a viable, nondestructive alternative for atherosclerotic lesion assessment.
- This technique enhances understanding of atherosclerosis progression and experimental therapy evaluation.
- Preserving sample integrity is crucial for comprehensive analysis in cardiovascular research.
Abstract:
Background: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death around the globe. Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory blood vessel disease that takes years to develop, is its primary cause. Instability and further plaque buildup are caused by chronic inflammation, which creates the conditions for possible rupture. The visualization of arterial lesions in situ can enhance understanding of atherosclerosis progression and potentially improve experimental therapies. Conventional histology methods for assessing atherosclerotic lesions are robust but are destructive and may prevent further tissue analysis. Objectives: The objective of the current study was to evaluate a novel, nondestructive method for the visualization and characterization of atherosclerotic lesions. Methods and Results: Thus, we tested the hypothesis that MRI paired with an iodine-based radiopaque stain would effectively characterize atherosclerotic plaques in a manner comparable to routine histology while maintaining sample integrity and providing whole-volume data.
