MRI and characterization of atherosclerotic plaque: emerging applications and molecular imaging
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2002•Am Heart Assoc
Noninvasive high-resolution magnetic resonance has the potential to image atherosclerotic
plaque and to determine its composition and microanatomy. This review summarizes the
rationale for plaque imaging and describes the characteristics of plaque by use of existing
MRI techniques. The use of MRI in human disease and in animal models, particularly in
rabbits and mice, is presented. Present and future applications of MRI, including real-time
vascular intervention, new contrast agents, and molecular imaging, are also discussed.
plaque and to determine its composition and microanatomy. This review summarizes the
rationale for plaque imaging and describes the characteristics of plaque by use of existing
MRI techniques. The use of MRI in human disease and in animal models, particularly in
rabbits and mice, is presented. Present and future applications of MRI, including real-time
vascular intervention, new contrast agents, and molecular imaging, are also discussed.
Noninvasive high-resolution magnetic resonance has the potential to image atherosclerotic plaque and to determine its composition and microanatomy. This review summarizes the rationale for plaque imaging and describes the characteristics of plaque by use of existing MRI techniques. The use of MRI in human disease and in animal models, particularly in rabbits and mice, is presented. Present and future applications of MRI, including real-time vascular intervention, new contrast agents, and molecular imaging, are also discussed.
Am Heart Assoc