Magnetic resonance imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques: current imaging strategies and molecular imaging probes.
The vulnerability or destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques has been directly linked to plaque composition. Imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, that allow for evaluation of plaque composition at a cellular and molecular level, could further improve the detection of vulnerable plaque and may allow for monitoring the efficacy of antiatherosclerotic therapies. In this review we focus on MR imaging strategies for the detection and evaluation of atherosclerotic plaques and their composition. We highlight recent advancements in the development of MR pulse sequences, computer image analysis, and the use of commercially available MR contrast agents, such as gadopentic acid (Gd-DTPA), for plaque characterization. We also discuss molecular imaging strategies that are currently being used to design specific imaging probes targeted to biochemical and cellular markers of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability.
Briley-Saebo
Karen C
KC
Imaging Science Laboratories, Department of Radiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Mulder
Willem J M
WJ
Mani
Venkatesh
V
Hyafil
Fabien
F
Amirbekian
Vardan
V
Aguinaldo
Juan Gilberto S
JG
Fisher
Edward A
EA
Fayad
Zahi A
ZA
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D005682:Gadolinium / Q000494:pharmacology; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000378:metabolism; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D008081:Liposomes; C099252:oxidized low density lipoprotein; C000499:ferric oxide; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA