High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of carotid atherosclerosis

High-resolution imaging techniques that permit serial, in vivo examination of the atherosclerotic plaque are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved in the progression of stable, early lesions into high-risk plaques in humans. Such an imaging tool would serve as a bridge between what is learned in the laboratory and the clinical setting. Furthermore, it would permit direct assessment of the efficacy of phamacological interventions.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is ideally suited for serial examination of the diseased arterial wall. Studies have shown that MRI is capable of measuring plaque burden, identifying fibrous cap characteristics and lesion types using American Heart Association (AHA) criteria, and quantifying neovasculature within the plaque. Case-control studies have shown an association between thin/ruptured fibrous caps, as identified by MRI, and recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke, and have shown that prolonged intensive lipid-lowering therapy is associated with decreased plaque lipid content.Thus, MRI is a promising tool for direct, serial assessment of carotid atherosclerosis in vivo. This article will briefly review our previously published work validating the technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]