MR imaging for the noninvasive assessment of atherothrombotic plaques.
Imaging methods to quantify the progression and regression of atherosclerosis could play a strong role in the management of patients. High-resolution, noninvasive MR imaging may provide exhaustive 3D anatomical information about the lumen and the vessel wall. Furthermore, MR imaging has the ability to characterize plaque composition and microanatomy and therefore to identify lesions vulnerable to rupture or erosion. The high resolution of MR imaging and the development of sophisticated contrast agents offer the promise of molecular in vivo molecular imaging of the plaque. This may aid early intervention (eg, lipid-lowering drug regiments) in both primary and secondary treatment of vascular disease in all arterial beds.
Fayad
Zahi A
ZA
Department of Radiology, The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Imaging Science Laboratories, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1234, New York, NY 10029, USA. zahi.fayad@mssm.edu
D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media