MR-optical imaging of cardiovascular molecular targets.
Our understanding of the intricate inflammation biology underlying atherosclerosis is rapidly progressing. Molecular imaging strategies, harnessing this body of knowledge, have been developed to visualize some key cellular and molecular events in plaque evolution and vulnerability. Here, we discuss recent advances in magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging of key biomarkers including adhesion molecules, inflammatory cells, and enzyme activity. We discuss strengths and limitations of respective imaging technologies, and comment on the potential of multi-modality imaging approaches.
Nahrendorf
Matthias
M
Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. mnahrendorf@mgh.harvard.edu
Sosnovik
David E
DE
Weissleder
Ralph
R
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000032:analysis; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000032:analysis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D053758:Nanoparticles; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000032:analysis; D041622:Tomography, Optical
D015415:Biomarkers; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D005682:Gadolinium; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases