Molecular imaging for the diagnosis of high-risk plaque
Sirol, M.; Fuster, V.; Toussaint, J.F.; Fayad, Z.A.
Archives des Maladies du Coeur et des Vaisseaux 96(12): 1219-1224
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9683 PMID: 15248450 Document Number: 553296
Despite advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and new therapeutic modalities, the absence of an adequate method for early detection limits the prevention and treatment of the disease. High-resolution magnetic resonance has recently emerged as one of the most promising techniques for the non-invasive study of atherothrombotic disease, as it can characterize plaque composition and monitor progression. This review of plaque imaging focuses on the most recent technique: "molecular imaging", which uses specific contrast agents targeted to plaque components, and may allow for better stratification of "high-risk" plaque and "high-risk" patients.