MR Microscopy of the Arterial Wall in an Experimental Model of Atherosclerosis: Preliminary Results

PURPOSE: To obtain images of the arterial lumen and wall in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis with use of high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to follow morphologic changes during the induction of atherosclerosis and, hence, develop a non-invasive tool to investigate restenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo microscopic MR images of rabbit aorta were acquired after balloon injury. Measurements of wall and lumen diameter from MR images area were compared with measurements obtained from histologic and angiographic examination. RESULTS: Injured rabbits exhibited an obvious thickening of the arterial wall, accompanied by an increased wall conspicuity, probably due to increases in T2. Quantitative MR morphometry corresponded well with morphologic measurements based on angiographic and histologic study. CONCLUSIONS: MR implanted coil technology affords imaging of the arterial lumen and wall, allowing temporal assessment of the morphologic changes due to intimal hyperplasia after balloon dilation and may enable the evaluation of novel techniques to eliminate restenosis.