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Circulation. 2001;104:2051-2056
doi: 10.1161/hc4201.097839
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(Circulation. 2001;104:2051.)
© 2001 American Heart Association, Inc.


Clinical Investigation and Reports

In Vivo Accuracy of Multispectral Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Identifying Lipid-Rich Necrotic Cores and Intraplaque Hemorrhage in Advanced Human Carotid Plaques

Chun Yuan, PhD; Lee M. Mitsumori, MD; Marina S. Ferguson, BS; Nayak L. Polissar, PhD; Denise Echelard, BS; Geraldo Ortiz, BS; Randy Small, BS; Joseph W. Davies, BS; William S. Kerwin, PhD; Thomas S. Hatsukami, MD

From the Departments of Radiology (C.Y., L.M.M., D.E., W.S.K., G.O.), Pathology (R.S.), and Surgery (J.W.D., T.S.H.), University of Washington; Marina Ferguson Inc (M.S.F.); The Mountain-Whisper-Light Statistical Consulting (N.L.P.); and Surgery and Perioperative Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System (T.S.H.), Seattle, Wash.

Reprint requests to Chun Yuan, PhD, University of Washington, Department of Radiology, Box 357115, 1959 NE Pacific Avenue, Seattle, WA 98195. E-mail cyuan{at}u.washington.edu


*    Abstract
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Background— High-resolution MRI has been shown to be capable of identifying plaque constituents, such as the necrotic core and intraplaque hemorrhage, in human carotid atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differential contrast-weighted images, specifically a multispectral MR technique, to improve the accuracy of identifying the lipid-rich necrotic core and acute intraplaque hemorrhage in vivo.

Methods and Results— Eighteen patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy underwent a preoperative carotid MRI examination in a 1.5-T GE Signa scanner using a protocol that generated 4 contrast weightings (T1, T2, proton density, and 3D time of flight). MR images of the vessel wall were examined for the presence of a lipid-rich necrotic core and/or intraplaque hemorrhage. Ninety cross sections were compared with matched histological sections of the excised specimen in a double-blinded fashion. Overall accuracy (95% CI) of multispectral MRI was 87% (80% to 94%), sensitivity was 85% (78% to 92%), and specificity was 92% (86% to 98%). There was good agreement between MRI and histological findings, with a value of {kappa}=0.69 (0.53 to 0.85).

Conclusions— Multispectral MRI can identify the lipid-rich necrotic core in human carotid atherosclerosis in vivo with high sensitivity and specificity. This MRI technique provides a noninvasive tool to study the pathogenesis and natural history of carotid atherosclerosis. Furthermore, it will permit a direct assessment of the effect of pharmacological therapy, such as aggressive lipid lowering, on plaque lipid composition.


Key Words: magnetic resonance imaging • lipids • atherosclerosis • carotid arteries


*    Introduction
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There has been considerable interest in the past several years in characterizing "vulnerable plaques": lesions of atherosclerosis thought to be associated with a higher risk for thromboembolic complications. More recently, however, there has been controversy over the term "vulnerable," because it suggests the ability to predict future adverse events. Much of what is known about lesion characteristics associated with acute thromboembolic events is based on specimens harvested at the time of surgery or during postmortem examination. This provides detailed information of lesion characteristics from a single time point but makes it difficult to determine which plaque features will result in future ischemic complications.

To determine which plaque features pose a higher risk for future ischemic events, we need an imaging tool that can identify presumptively high-risk plaque features in a nondestructive fashion, then prospectively follow up the patient until a clinical end point such as a stroke, transient ischemic attack, or acute coronary ischemic event occurs. Such a tool would permit serial, direct assessment of the effect of pharmacological interventions, such as aggressive lipid lowering, on atherosclerotic lesion size and lipid content.

High-resolution MRI is ideal for serial examination of the diseased arterial wall, because it is noninvasive and has superior capability for discriminating tissue characteristics compared with other imaging modalities.14 Soila et al5 and Maynor et al3 published early reports demonstrating that lipid components of atherosclerotic plaque can be distinguished with MRI. Toussaint et al4 noted that calcification, fibrous intimal tissue, and hemorrhage could be identified on the basis of T2 measurements of carotid plaques in vivo in a small series. Shinnar and colleagues6 subsequently demonstrated that MRI is capable of identifying carotid plaque constituents with high sensitivity and specificity ex vivo. Recently, we reported findings on identifying fibrous cap characteristics and noted a high level of agreement between in vivo MRI and gross and histological examination of carotid endarterectomy specimens.7

Because histopathological studies812 suggest that the lesions at risk for plaque rupture are typically soft and contain a large necrotic core or intraplaque hemorrhage (IH), noninvasive detection of these morphological features could identify the "at-risk" plaque before the development of clinical symptoms. In this study, we report the overall accuracy of MRI for identifying the lipid-rich necrotic core (LR-NC) and recent IH in vivo in a larger series than previously reported. Furthermore, we used multispectral MR techniques (T1-weighted [T1W], T2-weighted [T2W], proton density-weighted [PDW], and 3D-time-of-flight [TOF]), because it has been suggested that information from multiple contrast-weighted images may be superior to single contrast-weighted images for identifying lesion components.6,13


*    Methods
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Study Population
Between September 1997 and March 1999, 18 consecutive patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy at the University of Washington Medical Center or VA Puget Sound Health Care System were recruited for the study after having given informed consent. Institutional review boards of each facility approved the consent forms and study protocols. All patients underwent a carotid artery MRI examination within 1 week of the surgical procedure to reduce potential errors in the correlation between image and pathology.14

MRI Protocol
Patients were imaged with a custom-designed phased-array surface coil in a 1.5-T GE Signa Scanner (Horizon EchoSpeed, version 5.8, GE Medical Systems). A standardized protocol was used to obtain 4 different contrast-weighted images (TOF, T1W, PDW, and T2W)15 of the carotid arteries 2 cm proximal and 2 cm distal to the bifurcation. Fat suppression was used to reduce signal from subcutaneous tissues, and a zero-filled Fourier transform was used to reduce pixel size and minimize partial-volume artifacts. Parameters for the 3 sequences were (1) double inversion recovery T1W 2D fast spin-echo (FSE) (TR/TE 800/9.3 ms, field of view [FOV] 13 cm, thickness 2 mm, 256x256 matrix, number of excitations [NEX] 2); (2) cardiac-gated, shared echo FSE for PDW and T2W images (TR 3RR, first echo TE 20 ms, second echo TE 40 ms, FOV 13 cm, thickness 2 mm, 256x256 matrix, NEX 2); and (3) 3D-TOF (TR/TE 23/3.8 ms, flip angle 25°, FOV 13 cm, thickness 2 mm, 256x256 matrix, NEX 2). Best voxel size was 0.254x0.254x2.0 mm.

Slice levels were centered at the carotid bifurcation of the operative side in each patient. This protocol generated 4 to 6 image locations per patient examination that could be compared with histological sections of the endarterectomy specimens. The 18 patient examinations provided 101 prescribed locations, with 4 matched carotid images of different contrast weightings (3D-TOF, T1W, PDW, and T2W) at each location. Image quality was rated on a 5-point scale dependent on the overall signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): grade 1, low SNR limits use, arterial wall and vessel margins are unidentifiable; grade 2, marginal SNR, arterial wall is visible, but the substructure, lumen, and outer boundaries are indistinct; grade 3, marginal SNR, wall structures are identifiable, but lumen and outer boundaries are partially obscured; grade 4, high SNR with minimal artifacts, vessel wall, lumen, and adventitial margins are well defined; and grade 5, high SNR without artifacts, wall architecture depicted in detail, lumen and adventitial boundary are clearly defined. Images from a location were excluded from the study if >=2 of the images had an image-quality grade <=2.

Image Review
To facilitate spatial correlation with the histological slides, carotid images were divided into quadrants. The primary axis was defined by a line through the lumen centers of the internal and external carotid arteries in the cross section, cephalad of the common carotid artery bifurcation. A second axis, perpendicular to this axis, was made through the center of the internal carotid artery. The orientation of the primary axis was maintained and used to define the axes in the common carotid artery.

The MR images from each of the contrast weightings were examined by 2 readers (C.Y. and L.M.M.). The readers reviewed the images together, and a consensus decision was made regarding the presence or absence of an LR-NC or IH for each location. The particular vessel quadrant and distance from the bifurcation of each region of interest were recorded. Interpretation of signal intensity was made with reference to the immediately adjacent sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, a well-described methodology.2,16

To establish criteria for identifying LR-NC and acute IH, a pilot study was first performed on a separate data set to determine the signal characteristics of these tissue types under different contrast weightings. The findings of that study are summarized in Table 1. The most informative type was found to be T1W images, in which LR-NC appeared hyperintense relative to the SCM muscle and IH appeared isointense to hyperintense. The best discriminator between LR-NC and IH was then found to be TOF images, in which IH regions appeared hyperintense and LR-NC appeared isointense. Finally, both tissue types showed considerable variation in relative intensity on T2W and PDW images. Often the LR-NC and IH regions appeared hypointense on T2W and PDW images, as previously reported,2,6 but in many cases, these regions were isointense.


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Table 1. MRI Criteria Used to Identify Plaque Tissue Components

On the basis of the pilot study, the following hierarchy was adopted for identifying LR-NC and IH. First, the T1W images were examined to select regions that were hyperintense or isointense compared with the SCM muscle. Then, each of these regions was examined on the corresponding TOF image. If the region was hyperintense on the TOF image, it was categorized as IH; if it was isointense on the TOF image and hyperintense on the T1W image, it was categorized as LR-NC. Finally, if the T1W (or TOF) image had poor image quality, the T2W and PDW images were consulted, and a region was categorized as LR-NC or IH if it was hypointense after calcium had been ruled out.

Histological Processing
After carotid endarterectomy, the specimens were fixed in formalin, decalcified, and embedded in paraffin. Samples were sectioned (10 µm thick) every 0.5 to 1.0 mm throughout the length of the endarterectomy specimen and stained (hematoxylin-eosin, Mallory’s trichrome). The slides were independently evaluated by a reviewer (M.S.F.) who was unaware of the imaging results and were categorized according to the histopathological classification described by Stary et al,17 from the Committee on Vascular Lesions of the Council of Atherosclerosis, American Heart Association. Regions containing an LR-NC were distinguished from areas of dense, collagen-rich fibrous intimal tissue and regions with loose connective tissue matrix by criteria similar to those described by Moreno et al.18 Acute IH was identified by the presence of relatively intact red blood cells with a polymorphonuclear infiltrate.19

Correlation Between MRI and Histology
After both MR images and histological sections were reviewed and categorized, comparison was performed. Given the difference in slice thickness between MRI (2 mm) and histological cross sections (10 µm, every 0.5 to 1.0 mm), 3 to 4 histological sections for each MR image location were selected on the basis of the relative distance of the MRI and histological section from the common carotid bifurcation. To correct for shrinkage of the endarterectomy specimen during histological processing, additional measures were used for matching the MRI and histological sections. First, the gross morphological features of the lumen and vessel wall, such as the overall shape of the lumen and wall, were compared. Second, the location of large calcified regions, which appear hypointense on MRI, aided in matching the cross sections at each location. An agreement between MRI and histology was defined as the presence of an LR-NC or IH region in the same quadrant on the MRI section and in all 3 to 4 of the matched histological sections.7,20

Data Analysis
All calculations were made with SPSS for Windows (version 7.5.1). In addition to sensitivity and specificity, Cohen’s {kappa} with 95% CI was computed to quantify the agreement between the MRI findings and histology. A value of {kappa}>0.7 was used to indicate a high level of agreement.21,22

Because multiple image locations from each patient would be used for the statistical evaluation, the interdependence of each location for a given patient examination was assessed by use of a {kappa} statistic. A value of {kappa}<0.4 indicates weak or no interdependence.


*    Results
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Of the 101 image locations obtained, 8 were excluded because of poor image quality (rating <=2), typically related to patient motion or deep location of the vessels in the soft tissues of the neck.3 Three locations could not be used because of distortion of the specimen by histological processing. Therefore, 90 carotid locations were available for comparison.

Figure 1 presents the typical appearance of an LR-NC region in images with the 4 contrast weightings. Figure 2 shows an area of acute IH characterized by hyperintense signal.



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Figure 1. MR images with 4 contrast weightings demonstrating typical appearance of LR-NC along with matched histology sections with Mallory’s trichrome staining and anti-macrophage antibody CD-68 staining. Major plaque tissue types at this image location include large LR-NC, foam cells, and loose matrix. Core (purple double arrowhead) is identified by hyperintense signals on T1W image and isointense signals on TOF image vs adjacent SCM muscle. Large accumulations of lipid-rich foam cells (green arrow) had signal intensity similar to LR-NC on T1W images but appeared hyperintense on both PDW and T2W images. Loose matrix (red double arrowheads) appears hyperintense on PDW and T2W images. L indicates lumen; ICA, internal carotid artery; and ECA, external carotid artery. Bar=1 mm.



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Figure 2. MRI appearance of acute IH. Regions of acute IH are identified by hyperintense signals vs adjacent SCM muscle on T1W and TOF images (double arrowheads). Second necrotic core (yellow arrow) demonstrates hyperintense signal on T1W image but isointense signal by TOF image vs SCM. Histological examination of this second core showed no IH and an abundance of cholesterol crystals.

Sensitivity and Specificity Evaluation
Examination of the 4 matched carotid images (TOF, T1W, PDW, and T2W) for each of the 90 carotid locations demonstrated 58 LR-NC/IH regions, and all but 2 were confirmed histologically (Table 2). Overall accuracy (95% CI) was 87% (80% to 94%), sensitivity was 85% (78% to 92%), specificity was 92% (86% to 98%), and {kappa} was 0.69 (0.16). The sensitivity and specificity for identifying LR-NC regions without IH were 98% (96% to 100%) and 100% (92% to 100%), respectively. {kappa} was 0.98 (0.93 to 1.0) (Table 3). The accuracy of MRI for identifying acute IH alone could not be estimated with confidence, because only 16 cases of isolated acute IH occurred in this series. Cross-tabulation for the interdependence of pertinent regions in the same patient showed a value of {kappa}=0.48, indicating a low-to-moderate correlation among the regions identified. The impact of this low-to-moderate correlation results in slightly wider confidence levels than those noted.


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Table 2. Test Performance of Multispectral MRI for Identifying Regions of LR-NC and Acute IH


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Table 3. Test Performance of Multispectral MRI for Identifying Regions of LR-NC Without Acute IH


*    Discussion
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*Discussion
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Advances in our understanding of vascular biology and the promise of new therapies emphasize the need to develop a means to reliably identify and monitor the development of the high-risk vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque. For this objective, MRI has several advantages. It is a noninvasive modality that can potentially characterize tissue at the molecular level.4 MR images can be analyzed quantitatively. Excellent reproducibility of location can result in accurate serial studies. Currently, MR is being used to characterize human lesions of atherosclerosis2326 and has high diagnostic accuracy for identifying carotid plaque constituents ex vivo.6 This study demonstrates the capabilities of in vivo multispectral MR analysis in the characterization of advanced lesions of atherosclerosis. Although the scope of this study was limited to an assessment of the LR-NC and acute IH, its clinical value is apparent. Numerous histopathological studies suggest an important role for soft plaque features, such as an LR-NC and acute IH, in the pathogenesis of plaque rupture.2527 Furthermore, noninvasive identification of the lipid core may have important application in lipid-lowering clinical trials.

The availability of multispectral MR, especially TOF-based bright-blood and spin-echo–based black-blood techniques, was an important factor in the high sensitivity and specificity achieved. As demonstrated in Figures 1 and 2, no single contrast weighting was used to identify the LR-NC and IH regions accurately. Rather, a combination of reviewing images with different contrast weightings provided the most comprehensive evaluation. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the importance of multiple contrast weightings to identify other structures of interest in advanced atherosclerotic plaques.



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Figure 3. Importance of multiple contrast-weighted image examination. TOF image reveals distinct, irregular lumen boundary that is not well defined by T1W, PDW, and T2W images. Histological examination demonstrated that material intruded into lumen contained calcified nodules.



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Figure 4. Utility of multiple contrast weightings for identifying loose extracellular matrix. Region of loose matrix (red arrows) is clearly identified by high signal on both PDW and T2W images but neutral signal on T1W image. Areas of dense, collagen-rich fibrous tissue are characterized by isointense signal vs background SCM on T1W, PDW, and T2W images. Abbreviations as in Figure 1.

Previous studies have demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for identifying plaque constituents by use of spin-echo–based sequences (primarily T2W and PDW imaging) on ex vivo MRI.2,6 This study indicates that TOF and T1W images are also valuable for identifying plaque constituents and may be the preferred imaging methods for identifying LR-NC and IH in vivo. Specifically, we found that both acute IH and LR-NC regions can appear hyperintense on T1W imaging compared with the adjacent SCM muscle. Furthermore, acute IH can be distinguished from the LR-NC by the presence of high signal intensity in the TOF images. This finding is consistent with those reported by Moody et al28 on the identification of acute deep venous thrombosis and further supports the argument that gradient echo–based TOF images should be optimized for atherosclerotic plaque characterization.7

Our reliance primarily on T1W and TOF images to identify LR-NC and IH is somewhat at odds with previously reported techniques for identifying these tissues. Although we found that many of the necrotic core regions appeared hypointense on T2W imaging, consistent with previous reports in the literature,2,6 we also found that the LR-NC in other regions was isointense on T2W images. One explanation for the discrepancy is that the population of patients and complexity of lesions examined differs from those studied in previous reports. In this study, we examined cross sections from the region of the proximal common carotid artery, carotid bifurcation, and distal internal carotid artery. The lesions identified at the carotid bifurcation typically demonstrated atheroma in its advanced stages. On histological examination, the necrotic cores at this location had a complex composition demonstrating the presence of crystalline cholesterol (cholesterol clefts), which would be expected to appear hypointense on T2W imaging. Some of the cores at the bifurcation, however, also contained variable amounts of necrotic debris, proteinaceous material, and IH of various ages that could affect signal intensity on the PDW and T2W images of these regions (old lesions).29 Conversely, lesions in the proximal common carotid artery tended to be less complex and demonstrated features characteristic of earlier atherosclerosis, with less heterogeneity of tissue types within the plaque core (new lesions). LR-NCs in the proximal common carotid artery typically appeared hypointense on T2W imaging, consistent with previous reports in the literature.

The variation in signal intensities on PDW and T2W images most likely reflects the integrity of red blood cells and state of hemoglobin within the region. Both of these factors strongly affect tissue T2 relaxation times but have less effect on T1W/TOF images. This suggests that PDW and T2W images may play a vital role in subcategorizing necrotic tissue types by age or other characteristics.

Future Work
Ultimately, our aim is to develop automated analysis techniques for identifying and quantifying atherosclerotic tissue types. This study, which uses qualitative image interpretation by expert readers, provides the necessary preliminary groundwork. Subsequent development of quantitative image analysis techniques, such as identifying tissue boundaries and automatically classifying tissue types, present significant challenges. Signal variations introduced by surface coils hinder our ability to establish brightness thresholds for different tissue types. Patient motion leads to misregistration of images taken at different times, which makes the integration of multispectral information difficult. Although challenging, development of robust quantitative analysis tools is essential for future multicenter, longitudinal studies to reduce interpreter variability. We are therefore developing image processing techniques to address some of the issues related to quantitative analysis.30,31

Conclusions
The results of this study demonstrate that multispectral MR imaging can identify LR-NCs and IH in advanced atherosclerotic carotid plaques with high sensitivity and specificity. The ability to identify these high-risk plaque constituents noninvasively will be valuable in prospective, longitudinal studies examining the pathogenesis of the vulnerable plaque. Furthermore, identification of the lipid-rich core with MRI has significant potential application in lipid-lowering clinical trials.


*    Acknowledgments
 
This research was funded by grants from the NIH (RO1-HL-61851, HL-56874, and RO1-HL-60213).

Received July 6, 2001; revision received August 15, 2001; accepted August 16, 2001.


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up arrowResults
up arrowDiscussion
*References
 
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B. Chu, M. S. Ferguson, H. Chen, D. S. Hippe, W. S. Kerwin, G. Canton, C. Yuan, and T. S. Hatsukami
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Features of the Disruption-Prone and the Disrupted Carotid Plaque
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. Img., July 1, 2009; 2(7): 883 - 896.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
T. Y. Tang, S. P.S. Howarth, S. R. Miller, M. J. Graves, A. J. Patterson, J.-M. U-King-Im, Z. Y. Li, S. R. Walsh, A. P. Brown, P. J. Kirkpatrick, et al.
The ATHEROMA (Atorvastatin Therapy: Effects on Reduction of Macrophage Activity) Study: Evaluation Using Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Carotid Disease
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., June 2, 2009; 53(22): 2039 - 2050.
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J Am Coll Cardiol ImgHome page
T. Kawasaki, S. Koga, N. Koga, T. Noguchi, H. Tanaka, H. Koga, T. Serikawa, Y. Orita, S. Ikeda, T. Mito, et al.
Characterization of Hyperintense Plaque With Noncontrast T1-Weighted Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Coronary Plaque Imaging: Comparison With Multislice Computed Tomography and Intravascular Ultrasound
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. Img., June 1, 2009; 2(6): 720 - 728.
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J Am Coll Cardiol ImgHome page
R. M. Botnar
Coronary Plaque Characterization by T1-Weighted Cardiac Magnetic Resonance
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. Img., June 1, 2009; 2(6): 729 - 730.
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J Am Coll Cardiol ImgHome page
R. Duivenvoorden, E. de Groot, H. Afzali, E. T. VanBavel, O. J. de Boer, J. S. Lameris, Z. A. Fayad, E. S.G. Stroes, J. J.P. Kastelein, and A. J. Nederveen
Comparison of In Vivo Carotid 3.0-T Magnetic Resonance to B-Mode Ultrasound Imaging and Histology in a Porcine Model
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. Img., June 1, 2009; 2(6): 744 - 750.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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JNMHome page
F. Hyafil, J.-C. Cornily, J. H.F. Rudd, J. Machac, L. J. Feldman, and Z. A. Fayad
Quantification of Inflammation Within Rabbit Atherosclerotic Plaques Using the Macrophage-Specific CT Contrast Agent N1177: A Comparison with 18F-FDG PET/CT and Histology
J. Nucl. Med., June 1, 2009; 50(6): 959 - 965.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
T. Lockie, E. Nagel, S. Redwood, and S. Plein
Use of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Circulation, March 31, 2009; 119(12): 1671 - 1681.
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Vasc MedHome page
M. U Farooq, A. Khasnis, A. Majid, and M. Y Kassab
The role of optical coherence tomography in vascular medicine
Vascular Medicine, February 1, 2009; 14(1): 63 - 71.
[Abstract] [PDF]


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RadiologyHome page
R. Bitar, A. R. Moody, G. Leung, S. Symons, S. Crisp, J. Butany, C. Rowsell, A. Kiss, A. Nelson, and R. Maggisano
In Vivo 3D High-Spatial-Resolution MR Imaging of Intraplaque Hemorrhage
Radiology, October 1, 2008; 249(1): 259 - 267.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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RadiologyHome page
H. R. Underhill, V. L. Yarnykh, T. S. Hatsukami, J. Wang, N. Balu, C. E. Hayes, M. Oikawa, W. Yu, D. Xu, B. Chu, et al.
Carotid Plaque Morphology and Composition: Initial Comparison between 1.5- and 3.0-T Magnetic Field Strengths
Radiology, August 1, 2008; 248(2): 550 - 560.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
D. A. Bluemke, S. Achenbach, M. Budoff, T. C. Gerber, B. Gersh, L. D. Hillis, W. G. Hundley, W. J. Manning, B. F. Printz, M. Stuber, et al.
Noninvasive Coronary Artery Imaging: Magnetic Resonance Angiography and Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Committee on Cardiovascular Imaging and Intervention of the Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention, and the Councils on Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Disease in the Young
Circulation, July 29, 2008; 118(5): 586 - 606.
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RadiologyHome page
N. Altaf, P. S. Morgan, A. Moody, S. T. MacSweeney, J. R. Gladman, and D. P. Auer
Brain White Matter Hyperintensities Are Associated with Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage
Radiology, July 1, 2008; 248(1): 202 - 209.
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Am. J. Neuroradiol.Home page
M. Wintermark, S.S. Jawadi, J.H. Rapp, T. Tihan, E. Tong, D.V. Glidden, S. Abedin, S. Schaeffer, G. Acevedo-Bolton, B. Boudignon, et al.
High-Resolution CT Imaging of Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Plaques
AJNR Am. J. Neuroradiol., May 1, 2008; 29(5): 875 - 882.
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Am. J. Neuroradiol.Home page
K. Yoshida, O. Narumi, M. Chin, K. Inoue, T. Tabuchi, K. Oda, M. Nagayama, N. Egawa, M. Hojo, Y. Goto, et al.
Characterization of Carotid Atherosclerosis and Detection of Soft Plaque with Use of Black-Blood MR Imaging
AJNR Am. J. Neuroradiol., May 1, 2008; 29(5): 868 - 874.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
T. Saam, H. R. Underhill, B. Chu, N. Takaya, J. Cai, N. L. Polissar, C. Yuan, and T. S. Hatsukami
Prevalence of American Heart Association type VI carotid atherosclerotic lesions identified by magnetic resonance imaging for different levels of stenosis as measured by duplex ultrasound.
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., March 11, 2008; 51(10): 1014 - 1021.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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RadiologyHome page
T. Saam, T. S. Hatsukami, N. Takaya, B. Chu, H. Underhill, W. S. Kerwin, J. Cai, M. S. Ferguson, and C. Yuan
The Vulnerable, or High-Risk, Atherosclerotic Plaque: Noninvasive MR Imaging for Characterization and Assessment
Radiology, July 1, 2007; 244(1): 64 - 77.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
Y. Qiao, I. Ronen, J. Viereck, F. L. Ruberg, and J. A. Hamilton
Identification of Atherosclerotic Lipid Deposits by Diffusion-Weighted Imaging
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, June 1, 2007; 27(6): 1440 - 1446.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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StrokeHome page
E. Touze, J.-F. Toussaint, J. Coste, E. Schmitt, F. Bonneville, P. Vandermarcq, J.-Y. Gauvrit, F. Douvrin, J.-F. Meder, J.-L. Mas, et al.
Reproducibility of High-Resolution MRI for the Identification and the Quantification of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Components: Consequences for Prognosis Studies and Therapeutic Trials
Stroke, June 1, 2007; 38(6): 1812 - 1819.
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RadiologyHome page
I. Koktzoglou, Y.-C. Chung, T. J. Carroll, O. P. Simonetti, M. D. Morasch, and D. Li
Three-dimensional Black-Blood MR Imaging of Carotid Arteries with Segmented Steady-State Free Precession: Initial Experience
Radiology, April 1, 2007; 243(1): 220 - 228.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Vasc MedHome page
E. R. Bates, C. J. D. Babb, D. E. Casey, C. U. Cates, G. R. Duckwiler, T. E. Feldman, W. A. Gray, K. Ouriel, E. D. Peterson, K. Rosenfield, et al.
ACCF/SCAI/SVMB/SIR/ASITN 2007 Clinical Expert Consensus Document on Carotid Stenting: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Task Force on Clinical Expert Consensus Documents (ACCF/SCAI/SVMB/SIR/ASITN Clinical Expert Consensus Document Committee on Carotid Stenting)
Vascular Medicine, February 1, 2007; 12(1): 35 - 83.
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PERSPECT VASC SURG ENDOVASC THERHome page
B. G. Rubin
Impact of Plaque Characterization on Carotid Interventions
Perspectives in Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, December 1, 2006; 18(4): 312 - 315.
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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
A. Tawakol, R. Q. Migrino, G. G. Bashian, S. Bedri, D. Vermylen, R. C. Cury, D. Yates, G. M. LaMuraglia, K. Furie, S. Houser, et al.
In Vivo 18 F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Provides a Noninvasive Measure of Carotid Plaque Inflammation in Patients
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 7, 2006; 48(9): 1818 - 1824.
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RadiologyHome page
B. S. Pessanha, K. Potter, F. D. Kolodgie, A. Farb, R. Kutys, E. K. Mont, A. P. Burke, T. J. O'Leary, and R. Virmani
Characterization of Intimal Changes in Coronary Artery Specimens with MR Microscopy
Radiology, October 1, 2006; 241(1): 107 - 115.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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RadiologyHome page
T. Saam, J. Cai, L. Ma, Y.-Q. Cai, M. S. Ferguson, N. L. Polissar, T. S. Hatsukami, and C. Yuan
Comparison of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaque Features with in Vivo MR Imaging.
Radiology, August 1, 2006; 240(2): 464 - 472.
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NeurologyHome page
I. F. Klein, P. C. Lavallee, P. J. Touboul, E. Schouman-Claeys, and P. Amarenco
In vivo middle cerebral artery plaque imaging by high-resolution MRI.
Neurology, July 25, 2006; 67(2): 327 - 329.
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StrokeHome page
G. Stoll and M. Bendszus
Inflammation and Atherosclerosis: Novel Insights Into Plaque Formation and Destabilization
Stroke, July 1, 2006; 37(7): 1923 - 1932.
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StrokeHome page
Z.-Y. Li, S. P.S. Howarth, T. Tang, and J. H. Gillard
How Critical Is Fibrous Cap Thickness to Carotid Plaque Stability?: A Flow-Plaque Interaction Model
Stroke, May 1, 2006; 37(5): 1195 - 1199.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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StrokeHome page
N. Takaya, C. Yuan, B. Chu, T. Saam, H. Underhill, J. Cai, N. Tran, N. L. Polissar, C. Isaac, M. S. Ferguson, et al.
Association Between Carotid Plaque Characteristics and Subsequent Ischemic Cerebrovascular Events: A Prospective Assessment With MRI--Initial Results
Stroke, March 1, 2006; 37(3): 818 - 823.
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J. Lipid Res.Home page
F. L. Ruberg, J. Viereck, A. Phinikaridou, Y. Qiao, J. Loscalzo, and J. A. Hamilton
Identification of cholesteryl esters in human carotid atherosclerosis by ex vivo image-guided proton MRS
J. Lipid Res., February 1, 2006; 47(2): 310 - 317.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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StrokeHome page
S. E. Clarke, V. Beletsky, R. R. Hammond, R. A. Hegele, and B. K. Rutt
Validation of Automatically Classified Magnetic Resonance Images for Carotid Plaque Compositional Analysis
Stroke, January 1, 2006; 37(1): 93 - 97.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
K. Watanabe, S. Sugiyama, K. Kugiyama, O. Honda, H. Fukushima, H. Koga, Y. Horibata, T. Hirai, T. Sakamoto, M. Yoshimura, et al.
Stabilization of Carotid Atheroma Assessed by Quantitative Ultrasound Analysis in Nonhypercholesterolemic Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., December 6, 2005; 46(11): 2022 - 2030.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
J. Cai, T. S. Hatsukami, M. S. Ferguson, W. S. Kerwin, T. Saam, B. Chu, N. Takaya, N. L. Polissar, and C. Yuan
In Vivo Quantitative Measurement of Intact Fibrous Cap and Lipid-Rich Necrotic Core Size in Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaque: Comparison of High-Resolution, Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Histology
Circulation, November 29, 2005; 112(22): 3437 - 3444.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Arch Intern MedHome page
P. Raggi, A. Taylor, Z. Fayad, D. O'Leary, S. Nissen, D. Rader, and L. J. Shaw
Atherosclerotic Plaque Imaging: Contemporary Role in Preventive Cardiology
Arch Intern Med, November 14, 2005; 165(20): 2345 - 2353.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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StrokeHome page
A. van der Lugt
From Case Study to Prospective Study
Stroke, November 1, 2005; 36(11): 2337 - 2338.
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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
V. Fuster, Z. A. Fayad, P. R. Moreno, M. Poon, R. Corti, and J. J. Badimon
Atherothrombosis and High-Risk Plaque: Part II: Approaches by Noninvasive Computed Tomographic/Magnetic Resonance Imaging
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., October 4, 2005; 46(7): 1209 - 1218.
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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
V. Fuster, P. R. Moreno, Z. A. Fayad, R. Corti, and J. J. Badimon
Atherothrombosis and High-Risk Plaque: Part I: Evolving Concepts
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., September 20, 2005; 46(6): 937 - 954.
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CirculationHome page
M. Sirol, V. Fuster, J. J. Badimon, J. T. Fallon, J.-F. Toussaint, and Z. A. Fayad
Chronic Thrombus Detection With In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging and a Fibrin-Targeted Contrast Agent
Circulation, September 13, 2005; 112(11): 1594 - 1600.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
V. Fuster and R. J. Kim
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Circulation, July 5, 2005; 112(1): 135 - 144.
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CirculationHome page
N. Takaya, C. Yuan, B. Chu, T. Saam, N. L. Polissar, G. P. Jarvik, C. Isaac, J. McDonough, C. Natiello, R. Small, et al.
Presence of Intraplaque Hemorrhage Stimulates Progression of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques: A High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Circulation, May 31, 2005; 111(21): 2768 - 2775.
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Am. J. Neuroradiol.Home page
M. Ouhlous, H. Z. Flach, T. T. de Weert, J. M. Hendriks, M. R. H. M. van Sambeek, D. W. J. Dippel, P. M. T. Pattynama, and A. van der Lugt
Carotid Plaque Composition and Cerebral Infarction: MR Imaging Study
AJNR Am. J. Neuroradiol., May 1, 2005; 26(5): 1044 - 1049.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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RadiologyHome page
L. V. Hofmann, R. P. Liddell, J. Eng, B. A. Wasserman, A. Arepally, D. S. Lee, and D. A. Bluemke
Human Peripheral Arteries: Feasibility of Transvenous Intravascular MR Imaging of the Arterial Wall
Radiology, May 1, 2005; 235(2): 617 - 622.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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StrokeHome page
J.K. Lovett, J.N.E. Redgrave, and P.M. Rothwell
A Critical Appraisal of the Performance, Reporting, and Interpretation of Studies Comparing Carotid Plaque Imaging With Histology
Stroke, May 1, 2005; 36(5): 1085 - 1091.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
T. Saam, J.M. Cai, Y.Q. Cai, N.Y. An, A. Kampschulte, D. Xu, W.S. Kerwin, N. Takaya, N.L. Polissar, T.S. Hatsukami, et al.
Carotid Plaque Composition Differs Between Ethno-Racial Groups: An MRI Pilot Study Comparing Mainland Chinese and American Caucasian Patients
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, March 1, 2005; 25(3): 611 - 616.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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RadiologyHome page
V. C. Cappendijk, K. B. J. M. Cleutjens, A. G. H. Kessels, S. Heeneman, G. W. H. Schurink, R. J. T. J. Welten, W. H. Mess, M. J. A. P. Daemen, J. M. A. van Engelshoven, and M. E. Kooi
Assessment of Human Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaque Components with Multisequence MR Imaging: Initial Experience
Radiology, February 1, 2005; 234(2): 487 - 492.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
T. Saam, M.S. Ferguson, V.L. Yarnykh, N. Takaya, D. Xu, N.L. Polissar, T.S. Hatsukami, and C. Yuan
Quantitative Evaluation of Carotid Plaque Composition by In Vivo MRI
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, January 1, 2005; 25(1): 234 - 239.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
A. Kampschulte, M.S. Ferguson, W.S. Kerwin, N. L. Polissar, B. Chu, T. Saam, T.S. Hatsukami, and C. Yuan
Differentiation of Intraplaque Versus Juxtaluminal Hemorrhage/Thrombus in Advanced Human Carotid Atherosclerotic Lesions by In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Circulation, November 16, 2004; 110(20): 3239 - 3244.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Eur Heart JHome page
D. J. Pennell, U. P. Sechtem, C. B. Higgins, W. J. Manning, G. M. Pohost, F. E. Rademakers, A. C. van Rossum, L. J. Shaw, and E. K. Yucel
Clinical indications for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR): Consensus Panel report
Eur. Heart J., November 1, 2004; 25(21): 1940 - 1965.
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StrokeHome page
B. Chu, T. S. Hatsukami, N. L. Polissar, X.-Q. Zhao, L. W. Kraiss, D. L. Parker, J. C. Waterton, J. S. Raichlen, W. Hamar, and C. Yuan
Determination of Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Lesion Type and Distribution in Hypercholesterolemic Patients With Moderate Carotid Stenosis Using Noninvasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Stroke, November 1, 2004; 35(11): 2444 - 2448.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
R. M. Botnar, A. Buecker, A. J. Wiethoff, E. C. Parsons Jr, M. Katoh, G. Katsimaglis, R. M. Weisskoff, R. B. Lauffer, P. B. Graham, R. W. Gunther, et al.
In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Coronary Thrombosis Using a Fibrin-Binding Molecular Magnetic Resonance Contrast Agent
Circulation, September 14, 2004; 110(11): 1463 - 1466.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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PERSPECT VASC SURG ENDOVASC THERHome page
K. C. Wang, D. Saloner, and J. H. Rapp
Characteristics of Carotid Plaque as Risk Factors for Stroke
Perspectives in Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, September 1, 2004; 16(3): 193 - 199.
[Abstract] [PDF]


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RadiologyHome page
P. Schoenhagen, S. S. Halliburton, A. E. Stillman, S. A. Kuzmiak, S. E. Nissen, E. M. Tuzcu, and R. D. White
Noninvasive Imaging of Coronary Arteries: Current and Future Role of Multi-Detector Row CT
Radiology, July 1, 2004; 232(1): 7 - 17.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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StrokeHome page
R. A. Trivedi, J.-M. U-King-Im, M. J. Graves, J. J. Cross, J. Horsley, M. J. Goddard, J. N. Skepper, G. Quartey, E. Warburton, I. Joubert, et al.
In Vivo Detection of Macrophages in Human Carotid Atheroma: Temporal Dependence of Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Particles of Iron Oxide-Enhanced MRI
Stroke, July 1, 2004; 35(7): 1631 - 1635.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
A. Lombardo, L. M. Biasucci, G. A. Lanza, S. Coli, P. Silvestri, D. Cianflone, G. Liuzzo, F. Burzotta, F. Crea, and A. Maseri
Inflammation as a Possible Link Between Coronary and Carotid Plaque Instability
Circulation, June 29, 2004; 109(25): 3158 - 3163.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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StrokeHome page
B. Chu, A. Kampschulte, M. S. Ferguson, W. S. Kerwin, V. L. Yarnykh, K. D. O'Brien, N. L. Polissar, T. S. Hatsukami, and C. Yuan
Hemorrhage in the Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaque: A High-Resolution MRI Study
Stroke, May 1, 2004; 35(5): 1079 - 1084.
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CirculationHome page
R. M. Botnar, A. S. Perez, S. Witte, A. J. Wiethoff, J. Laredo, J. Hamilton, W. Quist, E. C. Parsons Jr, A. Vaidya, A. Kolodziej, et al.
In Vivo Molecular Imaging of Acute and Subacute Thrombosis Using a Fibrin-Binding Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent
Circulation, April 27, 2004; 109(16): 2023 - 2029.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
C. M. Kramer, L. A. Cerilli, K. Hagspiel, J. M. DiMaria, F. H. Epstein, and J. A. Kern
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Identifies the Fibrous Cap in Atherosclerotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Circulation, March 2, 2004; 109(8): 1016 - 1021.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
M. Naghavi, P. Libby, E. Falk, S. W. Casscells, S. Litovsky, J. Rumberger, J. J. Badimon, C. Stefanadis, P. Moreno, G. Pasterkamp, et al.
From Vulnerable Plaque to Vulnerable Patient: A Call for New Definitions and Risk Assessment Strategies: Part I
Circulation, October 7, 2003; 108(14): 1664 - 1672.
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RadiologyHome page
S. Zhang, J. Cai, Y. Luo, C. Han, N. L. Polissar, T. S. Hatsukami, and C. Yuan
Measurement of Carotid Wall Volume and Maximum Area with Contrast-enhanced 3D MR Imaging: Initial Observations
Radiology, July 1, 2003; 228(1): 200 - 205.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
R. E. Murphy, A. R. Moody, P. S. Morgan, A. L. Martel, G.S. Delay, S. Allder, S. T. MacSweeney, W. G. Tennant, J. Gladman, J. Lowe, et al.
Prevalence of Complicated Carotid Atheroma as Detected by Magnetic Resonance Direct Thrombus Imaging in Patients With Suspected Carotid Artery Stenosis and Previous Acute Cerebral Ischemia
Circulation, June 24, 2003; 107(24): 3053 - 3058.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
R. F. Redberg, R. A. Vogel, M. H. Criqui, D. M. Herrington, J. A. C. Lima, and M. J. Roman
Task force #3--what is the spectrum of current and emerging techniques for the noninvasive measurement of atherosclerosis?
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., June 4, 2003; 41(11): 1886 - 1898.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
S. G. Worthley, G. Helft, V. Fuster, Z. A. Fayad, M. Shinnar, L. A. Minkoff, C. Schechter, J. T. Fallon, and J. J. Badimon
A Novel Nonobstructive Intravascular MRI Coil: In Vivo Imaging of Experimental Atherosclerosis
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, February 1, 2003; 23(2): 346 - 350.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
G. J. Blake, R. J. Ostfeld, E. K. Yucel, N. Varo, U. Schonbeck, M. A. Blake, M. Gerhard, P. M. Ridker, P. Libby, and R. T. Lee
Soluble CD40 Ligand Levels Indicate Lipid Accumulation in Carotid Atheroma: An In Vivo Study With High-Resolution MRI
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, January 1, 2003; 23(1): e11 - 14.
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StrokeHome page
G. J. Adams, D. M. Simoni, C. B. Bordelon Jr, G. W. Vick III, K. T. Kimball, W. Insull Jr, and J. D. Morrisett
Bilateral Symmetry of Human Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis
Stroke, November 1, 2002; 33(11): 2575 - 2580.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
F. Bea, E. Blessing, B. Bennett, M. Levitz, E. P. Wallace, and M. E. Rosenfeld
Simvastatin Promotes Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability in ApoE-Deficient Mice Independently of Lipid Lowering
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, November 1, 2002; 22(11): 1832 - 1837.
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CirculationHome page
Z. A. Fayad, V. Fuster, K. Nikolaou, and C. Becker
Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Noninvasive Coronary Angiography and Plaque Imaging: Current and Potential Future Concepts
Circulation, October 8, 2002; 106(15): 2026 - 2034.
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CirculationHome page
H. Yabushita, B. E. Bouma, S. L. Houser, H. T. Aretz, I.-K. Jang, K. H. Schlendorf, C. R. Kauffman, M. Shishkov, D.-H. Kang, E. F. Halpern, et al.
Characterization of Human Atherosclerosis by Optical Coherence Tomography
Circulation, September 24, 2002; 106(13): 1640 - 1645.
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J.-M. Cai, T. S. Hatsukami, M. S. Ferguson, R. Small, N. L. Polissar, and C. Yuan
Classification of Human Carotid Atherosclerotic Lesions With In Vivo Multicontrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Circulation, September 10, 2002; 106(11): 1368 - 1373.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
R. P. Choudhury, V. Fuster, J. J. Badimon, E. A. Fisher, and Z. A. Fayad
MRI and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Plaque: Emerging Applications and Molecular Imaging
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, July 1, 2002; 22(7): 1065 - 1074.
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