MRI and characterization of atherosclerotic plaque: emerging applications and molecular imaging.
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.
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Robin P
RP
Choudhury
Valentin
V
Fuster
Juan J
JJ
Badimon
Edward A
EA
Fisher
Zahi A
ZA
Fayad
D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy