Imaging-Based Biomarkers: Characterization of Post-Kawasaki Vasculitis in Infants and Hypertension Phenotype in Rat Model

Background . Investigating the mechanical properties of the arteries is essential in cardiovascular diseases. Recent imaging modalities allow mapping mechanical properties within the arterial wall. Aims . We report the potential of imaging-based biomarker (ImBioMark) to investigate the effect of aging on the rat. We also present preliminary data with ImBioMark characterizing vascular sequelae of Kawasaki disease (KD) in young humans. Methods . We investigated in vivo the effect of aging on male Brown Norway (BN) rats' ( n = 5) carotid stiffness. In a second experiment, the impact of KD on the ascending aorta (AA) was examined in KD children ( n = 2) aged 13 ± 1.41 years old compared to KD-free children ( n = 5) aged 13.13 ± 0.18 years old. Results . The stiffness of BN's carotid artery was three times stiffer in the old rats, with a turning point at 40 weeks old ( P = 0.001). KD had a very significant impact on the AA stiffness with strain estimates of 2.39 ± 0.51% versus 4.24 ± 0.65% in controls ( P < 0.001). Conclusion . ImBioMark phenotypes hypertension in rat models noninvasively in vivo without resorting to euthanasia. Quantifying aortic wall remodeling is also feasible in humans. Future investigations target human cardiovascular disease.