Open AccessMR and Targeted Molecular MRI of Vulnerable Plaques
Author(s) -
Jiping Yang,
Haiqing Yang,
Liqing Cao,
Shujun Li
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
interventional neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.07
H-Index - 5
eISSN - 1664-9737
pISSN - 1664-5545
DOI - 10.1159/000346767
Subject(s) - medicine , vulnerable plaque , acute stroke , stroke (engine) , acute coronary syndrome , cardiology , intensive care medicine , radiology , myocardial infarction , mechanical engineering , tissue plasminogen activator , engineering
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.