Magnetic resonance coronary lumen and vessel wall imaging.
Coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a technique aimed at establishing a noninvasive test for the assessment of significant coronary stenoses. There are certain boundary conditions that have hampered the clinical success of coronary MRA and coronary vessel wall imaging. Recent advances in hardware and software allow for consistent visualization of the proximal and mid portions of the native coronary arteries. Current research focuses on the use of intravascular MR contrast agents and black blood coronary angiography. One common goal is to create a noninvasive test which might allow for screening for major proximal and mid coronary artery disease. These novel approaches will represent a major step forward in diagnostic cardiology.
Botnar
R M
RM
Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Cardiac MR Center, 330 Brookline-Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA. rbotnar@caregroup.harvard.edu
Stuber
M
M
Kim
W Y
WY
Danias
P G
PG
Manning
W J
WJ
D003287:Contrast Media; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D015607:Stents
D003287:Contrast Media