Diagnosis of thin-cap fibroatheromas by a self-contained intravascular magnetic resonance imaging probe in ex vivo human aortas and in situ coronary arteries.

Objectives: We sought to correlate findings obtained from a self-contained magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe with plaque morphology of ex vivo human aortas and coronary arteries.

Background: Early detection of thin-cap fibroatheromas (TCFAs) may allow for early preventive treatment of acute coronary syndromes. We developed an intravascular MRI catheter capable of imaging the arterial wall without external magnets or coils by differentiating lipid-rich and fibrotic-rich areas of the atherosclerotic plaque on the basis of differential water diffusion.