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Serial magnetic resonance imaging of experimental atherosclerosis detects lesion fine structure, progression and complications in vivo

Nature Medicine volume 1, pages 69–73 (1995)Cite this article

Abstract

A major problem in the study of lesions of atherosclerosis is the difficulty of imaging noninvasively the lesions and following their progression in vivo. To address this problem, we have developed advanced magnetic resonance techniques to noninvasively and serially image advanced lesions of atherosclerosis in the rabbit abdominal aorta. Both lumen and wall were imaged with high resolution. Progression of disease, resulting in increase in lesion mass, decrease in arterial lumen, or stenosis, and intralesion complications, can be detected. Images acquired in vivo correlate with the fine structure of the lesions of atherosclerosis, including the fibrous cap, necrotic core, and lesion fissures, as verified by gross examination, dissection microscopy, and histology. The ability to noninvasively identify the features of atherosclerotic plaques, has significant implications for determining risks and benefits associated with different therapeutic approaches.

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Author notes

  1. Michael P. Skinner & Elaine W. Raines M.P.S.

    Present address: Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, 2145, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology SM30, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA

    Michael P. Skinner

  2. Department of Radiology SB05, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA

    Chun Yuan, Lee Mitsumori, Cecil E. Hayes & James A. Nelson

Authors
  1. Michael P. Skinner
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  2. Chun Yuan
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  3. Lee Mitsumori
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  4. Cecil E. Hayes
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  5. Elaine W. Raines M.P.S.
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  6. James A. Nelson
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  7. Russell Ross
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Skinner, M., Yuan, C., Mitsumori, L. et al. Serial magnetic resonance imaging of experimental atherosclerosis detects lesion fine structure, progression and complications in vivo. Nat Med 1, 69–73 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1038/nm0195-69

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