The in vivo diagnosis of early-stage aortic valve sclerosis using magnetic resonance imaging in a rabbit model.
OBJECTIVE
To use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify and monitor early aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) induced by cholesterol feeding in rabbits. AVS is a highly prevalent disease process, affecting more than 25% of the population over age 65. A major obstacle to early stage medical management of AVS has been the lack of an objective noninvasive technique to identify its presence and monitor its progress.


METHODS
Retrospectively gated CINE fast spoiled gradient echo (fSPGR) images of aortic valve cusps were collected at 3-month intervals starting at 6 months using a 1.5 T MR scanner interfaced with a customized surface radiofrequency coil. At 16 months a subset of animals was sacrificed and excised cusps were examined with both high frequency ultrasound (US) and histopathological techniques to validate the MRI method.


RESULTS
MR and US analysis identified significant thickening of diseased AV cusps when compared to control (P < 0.05). Histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of human-like AVS in diseased rabbit valves.


CONCLUSIONS
Early AVS, exemplified by increased valve thickness, can be identified in vivo using high-resolution MRI.
Hamilton
Amanda M
AM
Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
Rogers
Kem A
KA
Drangova
Maria
M
Khan
Zamir
Z
Ronald
John A
JA
Rutt
Brian K
BK
Maclean
Kyle A
KA
Lacefield
James C
JC
Boughner
Derek R
DR
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism*; D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary / Q000378:metabolism*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D013997:Time Factors
D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary; D002784:Cholesterol