title: Technology insight: targeting of biological molecules for evaluation of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques with magnetic resonance imaging.
abstract: Identification of high-risk atherosclerotic lesions prone to rupture and thrombosis may greatly decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with atherosclerosis. The development of magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents that specifically target components of the atherosclerotic plaque might enable non-invasive detection of high-risk lesions. This review discusses a variety of molecules present in atherosclerotic plaque that could serve as targets for specific contrast agents. Ultimately, such agents may allow the identification of high-risk atherosclerotic lesions in patients and enable treatment of these patients before lesion progression and complications.
authors.affiliation: Zena and Michael A Wiener Cardiovascular Institute/Marie-Josée and Henry R Kravis Center for Cardiovascular Health.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lipinski
authors.forename: Valentin
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Fuster
authors.forename: Edward A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Zahi A
authors.initials: ZA
authors.lastname: Fayad
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D017700:Embolism, Cholesterol / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D003287:Contrast Media; D008074:Lipoproteins