Abstract

Advances in contrast media for vascular imaging of atherosclerosis

Author(s): Victoria EL Young, Andrew J Degnan and Jonathan H Gillard

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Imaging plays a key role in its diagnosis and management, and contrast-enhanced imaging is widely integrated into current clinical practice for the imaging of atherosclerosis. Traditional imaging methods have focused on the degree of stenosis owing to atherosclerotic plaque; however, contrast media now allow for improved detection of plaque characteristics, which may aid in identifying at-risk lesions in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Developments in contrast media may allow imaging to play a much earlier role in diagnosis and, potentially, therapy for atherosclerosis in the future. This article focuses on the developments in contrast media for MRI, ultrasound and CT in relation to atherosclerosis.