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(Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 2009;29:1001.)
© 2009 American Heart Association, Inc.

Brief Reviews

Iron Oxide Particles for Atheroma Imaging

Tjun Y. Tang; Karin H. Muller; Martin J. Graves; Zhi Y. Li; Stewart R. Walsh; Victoria Young; Umar Sadat; Simon P.S. Howarth; J.H. Gillard

From the University Department of Radiology (T.Y.T., M.J.G., Z.Y.L., V.Y., U.S., S.P.S.H., J.H.G.), Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK; the Cambridge Vascular Unit (T.Y.T., S.R.W.), Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK; and the Multi-Imaging Centre (K.H.M.), University of Cambridge, UK.

Correspondence to Jonathan H. Gillard, BSc, MD, FRCR, Professor of Neuroradiology, University Department of Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom. E-mail jhg21{at}cam.ac.uk

Series Editor: Zahi Fayad
ATVB In Focus

Molecular Imaging of Cardiovascular Disease

The selection of patients for vascular interventions has been solely based on luminal stenosis and symptomatology. However, histological data from both the coronary and carotid vasculature suggest that other plaque features such as inflammation may be more important in predicting future thromboembolic events. Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) contrast agents have been used for noninvasive MRI assessment of atherosclerotic plaque inflammation in humans. It has reached the stage of development to have been recently used in an interventional drug study to not only assess inflammatory progression but also select patients at high risk. This article reviews the basic science behind the use of USPIO contrast agents in atheroma MR imaging, experimental work in animals, and how this has led to the emergence of this promising targeted imaging platform for assessment of high risk carotid atherosclerosis in humans.

Key Words: carotid atheroma • atherosclerosis • USPIO • MRI • inflammation • plaque vulnerability

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