Magnetic Resonance Contrast Agent Visualizes Plaque

This finding may improve the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The study results were presented at the Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association in New Orleans (LA, USA).

The study involved eight male patients with suspected aortoiliac disease. Using MS-235, researchers were able to evaluate the subjects' vessel walls and determine the location and extent of plaque blockages that had formed in the arteries. Currently, there are no noninvasive methods to determine in vivo the link between inflammation and atherosclerosis. By characterizing inflammation of the arterial walls, contrast-agent enhanced MRI may provide a better understanding of the progression of chronic cardiovascular disease. M-235 is the product of Epix Medical (Cambridge, MA, USA).

"This is another example of how MRI is superior to x-ray angiography, which only images the blood inside the vessel and provides little information about the plaques present,” noted Randall B. Lauffer, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Epix.



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