MRI of atherosclerosis: diagnosis and monitoring therapy.
Atherosclerosis is a prevalent disease affecting millions of Americans. Despite our advances in diagnosis and treatment, atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in America. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging has overcome the limitations of current angiographic techniques and has emerged as a leading noninvasive imaging modality for atherosclerotic disease. Atherosclerosis of the arterial wall of the human carotid, aortic, peripheral and coronary arteries have all been successfully evaluated. In addition, the power of magnetic resonance imaging to differentiate the major components of atherosclerotic plaque has been validated. The ability to image the vessel wall and risk stratify atherosclerotic plaque will create management decisions not previously faced, and has the potential to change the way atherosclerosis is treated.
Kramer
Christopher M
CM
University of Virginia Health System, Department of Medicine, Lee Street, Box 800170, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. ckramer@virginia.edu
Anderson
Justin D
JD
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome