Predicting carotid plaque vulnerability by macrophage-targeted nanocluster-enhanced high-resolution vessel wall imaging

Ischemic stroke can be attributed to the sudden rupture of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, identifying vulnerable plaque is essential for preventing acute vascular events. Increasing evidence has established that macrophages play a vital role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Using the black-blood technique, an imaging approach that suppresses blood signals to highlight the arterial wall, and a macrophage-targeted contrast agent, plaque vulnerability could be quantitatively assessed for the macrophage burden. This in vivo animal study non-invasively evaluated the plaque vulnerability, which may provide information on the clinical risk stratification.