MR microscopy of the arterial wall in an experimental model of atherosclerosis: preliminary results.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain images of the arterial lumen and wall in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis with use of high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to follow morphologic changes during the induction of atherosclerosis and, hence, develop a non-invasive tool to investigate restenosis.


METHODS
In vivo microscopic MR images of rabbit aorta were acquired after balloon injury. Measurements of wall and lumen diameter from MR images area were compared with measurements obtained from histologic and angiographic examination.


RESULTS
Injured rabbits exhibited an obvious thickening of the arterial wall, accompanied by an increased wall conspicuity, probably due to increases in T2. Quantitative MR morphometry corresponded well with morphologic measurements based on angiographic and histologic study.


CONCLUSIONS
MR implanted coil technology affords imaging of the arterial lumen and wall, allowing temporal assessment of the morphologic changes due to intimal hyperplasia after balloon dilation and may enable the evaluation of novel techniques to eliminate restenosis.
Ford
J C
JC
Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Shlansky-Goldberg
R D
RD
Golden
M
M
D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D001027:Aortography; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D003300:Copper; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D011817:Rabbits; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology
D003300:Copper