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[Imaging and differentiation of atherosclerotic plaque with magnetic resonance tomography]
C Loewe1, G Oberhuber, R Loewe
1Abt. für Kardiologie, Universität Wien.
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies have allowed the imaging of an atheroma, its size, shape, and lipid contents. The aim of our study was to characterize atherosclerotic lesions using a 0.5 T magnet, to delineate plaque components, and to compare MR results with histology. Thirty necropsy specimens of human iliac arteries were studied. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were carried out on a 0.5 Tesla superconducting magnet using a 5 cm surface coil. The position for the coronal MR planes was oriented by an external marker. The matrix size was 256 x 256, 4 NEX, and the FOV was 45 mm. The pulse sequences used included SE 520/29 and SE 2200/28 and 90. Signal intensity (SI) of fibrous plaques increased significantly from 28.3 +/- 3.8 to 49.1 +/- 8.2 (p < or = 0.0001) and decreased at SE 2200/90 to 24.1 +/- 6.8 (p < or = 0.0001). However, lipid plaque components showed no significant change in SI between T1-weighted pulse-sequences (28.2 +/- 5.4) and T2-weighted pulse-sequences (25.5 +/- 5.9). Only at SE 2200/90 SI of lipid plaques decreased significantly (11.8 +/- 3.9, p < or = 0.0001). As compared to histology, MR has shown a high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of fibrous and lipid plaque components. In conclusions, our study demonstrated that MR is highly effective in the characterization of atherosclerotic lesions.
Insights
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively characterizes atherosclerotic lesions by delineating plaque components. This study confirms MR
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Context:
- Atherosclerosis involves plaque buildup in arteries.
- Accurate characterization of atherosclerotic lesions is crucial for patient management.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers non-invasive visualization of vascular structures.
Purpose:
- To characterize atherosclerotic lesions using a 0.5 Tesla (T) magnet.
- To delineate plaque components (fibrous and lipid) using MR imaging.
- To compare MR imaging results with histological findings.
Summary:
- Thirty human iliac artery specimens were analyzed using a 0.5 T MR scanner.
- Specific pulse sequences (SE 520/29, SE 2200/28, SE 2200/90) were employed.
- MR imaging demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in identifying fibrous and lipid plaque components when compared to histology.
Impact:
- MR imaging is highly effective for characterizing atherosclerotic lesions.
- This technique aids in understanding plaque composition non-invasively.
- Findings support the use of MR imaging in cardiovascular research and clinical practice.