Iron-Oxide-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Abstract

Postmortem USPIO-enhanced MR imaging of atherosclerotic plaques showed a high accuracy and good interobserver agreement in the animal model used here. Further optimization of the method should aim at reducing the rather high percentage of false-positive results.

Magnetic resonance imaging of coronary atherosclerosis

“…In recent, small studies, injection of USPIO into hyperlipidemic rabbits was associated with accumulation in macrophages and, after 2 hours [55] to 5 days [56], the appearance of signal voids studded on the luminal surface of the aorta. Similar appearances have been observed incidentally in the aorta and intrapelvic arteries of humans that have received USPIO for oncologic imaging [57]. This type of specific cellular targeting approach warrants further investigation.…”

Mechanism of Cellular Uptake and Impact of Ferucarbotran on Macrophage Physiology

“…Several possible noninvasive approaches including optical imaging, nuclear imaging, and MRI have been reported [28], [29], [30], [31], [32], [33], [34], [35], [36], [37]. Though nuclear imaging has good sensitivity, the use of radionuclides introduces potential radiation damage to the cells and the overall spatial resolution is relatively poor.…”

MRI of atherosclerosis in clinical trials

“…In addition to gadolinium agents, one further contrastmodifying compound investigated for plaque imaging is ultrasmall particles of superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIOs) (76)(77)(78). These particles are taken up by macrophages and induce signal reductions via susceptibility effects.…”