Computational MR Model for Characterizing Atherosclerotic Plaques Morphology and Composition

Abstract

Most studies of atherosclerotic plaques have focused on the assessment of degree of stenosis [1]. However, an anomaly has been noticed which suggests that plaque size is not always a determining factor in patient symptomatology and that other plaque features may play a significant role in plaque pathogenicity [1]. Recent clinical and patho-anatomic observations indicate that plaque composition and biology are more significant determinant than plaque size in the development of thrombus-mediated acute coronary syndromes [1]. Thus clinical risk may correlate more closely with plaque morphology and surface features than with size [1]. This possibility emphasizes the importance of developing non-invasive imaging methods for characterizing plaque morphology and composition in addition to determining lumen area and wall thickness.