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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus
Published on: December 8, 2013
Characterization of atherosclerotic plaque components by high resolution quantitative MR and US imaging
J S Raynaud1, S L Bridal, J F Toussaint
1Service Hospitalier Fridiric Joliot, DRM-CEA, Orsay, France. jraynaud@myologie.infobiogen.fr
Abstract:
High resolution MRI at 3 T and US imaging at 50 MHz were used for atherosclerotic plaque characterization. For 14 excised segments of human arteries, conventional MR and US images, quantitative MR T2 maps, US integrated attenuation (IA) maps, and histologic sections were produced and compared. The MR T2 and US attenuation mean values estimated in selected regions of interest were related with tissue type as identified on histologic sections. Significant distinction between media or collagen and lipid or collagen lipidic plaque was achieved with both techniques (MR: P < .001; US: P < .01). Significant distinction was obtained between media and collagen (P < .0001) and between iliac and aortic media (P < .05) with MR T2 but not with IA. MR and US native and parametric images, with different sensitivities to tissue type, provide complementary information useful for quantitative plaque characterization.
Insights
High-resolution MRI and ultrasound imaging can distinguish atherosclerotic plaque components. Both methods, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US), offer complementary data for detailed plaque characterization.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Atherosclerotic plaque characterization is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk.
- Non-invasive imaging techniques are needed for detailed plaque analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare high-resolution MRI and high-frequency US for atherosclerotic plaque characterization.
- To evaluate the ability of quantitative MRI T2 maps and US integrated attenuation (IA) maps to differentiate plaque components.
Main Methods:
- 14 excised human artery segments were analyzed using 3 T MRI and 50 MHz US.
- Conventional and parametric images (MR T2 maps, US IA maps) were compared with histology.
- Mean values of MR T2 and US attenuation in regions of interest were correlated with tissue types.
Main Results:
- Both MRI and US significantly distinguished between media/collagen and lipid/collagen plaque (MR: P < .001; US: P < .01).
- MRI T2 mapping significantly differentiated media from collagen (P < .0001) and iliac from aortic media (P < .05).
- US IA maps did not achieve the same level of distinction for these specific tissue types.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution MRI and US imaging provide complementary information for quantitative plaque characterization.
- Parametric MRI T2 maps and US IA maps demonstrate different sensitivities to tissue composition.
- These advanced imaging techniques aid in a more comprehensive understanding of atherosclerotic plaque.
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