Magnetic resonance imaging features of vulnerable plaques in an atherosclerotic rabbit model.

Background: Noninvasive detection of vulnerable plaque has a significant implication for prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference between vulnerable plaques and stable plaques in magnetic resonance (MR) images.

Methods: Atherosclerosis was induced in twenty male New Zealand white rabbits by high cholesterol diet and balloon injury of the abdominal aorta.