Will molecular MR imaging play a role in identification and treatment of patients with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques?
Although the translation of experimental molecular MR imaging agents is highly compelling, it is substantially more complex than the translation of radiolabeled imaging agents. The prognostic value, safety, and cost-effectiveness of molecular MR imaging for the detection of plaque inflammation will need to be demonstrated and will require a robust and collaborative effort among basic scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists, and industry. The well-conducted and valuable study reported by Amirbekian et al in this issue of Radiology adds further momentum to this important endeavor.
Sosnovik
David E
DE
Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th St, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA. sosnovik@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000639:trends*; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques / Q000639:trends*