title: MR and Targeted Molecular MRI of Vulnerable Plaques.
abstract: Plaque rupture or erosion represents a major cause of stroke and the acute coronary syndrome. Information on plaque morphology and composition is essential to identify patients at increased risk for acute cardio- and cerebrovascular events, and may play a key role in individualizing therapeutic strategies and monitoring the effect of interventions. The rapidly emerging field of MR and targeted molecular MRI allows to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize plaque features. We aimed to review the literature regarding the current most promising advanced techniques to image vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging, Second Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
authors.forename: Jiping
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging, Second Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
authors.forename: Haiqing
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging, Second Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
authors.forename: Liqing
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.affiliation: Department of Chest Surgery, Second Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
authors.forename: Shujun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
keywords: Atherosclerotic plaques; MRI; Molecular imaging; Targeted contrast agent; Vulnerable plaques