Imaging of aortic atherosclerosis.
Aortic atherosclerosis correlates with future major cardiovascular events and the assessment of its degree and extent has important diagnostic value. Many imaging modalities can be used to assess atherosclerotic plaques. While Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is the procedure of choice for the study of thoracic aortic atheromas, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool. MR study of aortic plaques requires T1, proton density and T2-weighed images. MR-angiography allows a comprehensive study of the aorta. Elementary plaque components of aortic atherosclerosis are identified with MRI and TEE; advanced lesions can be graded according to the America Heart Association criteria. MRI and TEE assessment of thoracic aortic atherosclerosis has demonstrated close agreement.
Meduri
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Istituto di Radiologia, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Largo A. Gemelli, 00168, Roma.
Natale
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Marano
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D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000473:pathology*; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed