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MR-optical imaging of cardiovascular molecular targets

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Abstract

Our understanding of the intricate inflammation biology underlying atherosclerosis is rapidly progressing. Molecular imaging strategies, harnessing this body of knowledge, have been developed to visualize some key cellular and molecular events in plaque evolution and vulnerability. Here, we discuss recent advances in magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging of key biomarkers including adhesion molecules, inflammatory cells, and enzyme activity. We discuss strengths and limitations of respective imaging technologies, and comment on the potential of multi-modality imaging approaches.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr Weissleder is a shareholder of VisEn Medical in Woburn (MA), USA. The other authors report no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Matthias Nahrendorf MD

  2. Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Matthias Nahrendorf MD & Ralph Weissleder MD, PhD

  3. Cardiology Division, Dept. of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    David E. Sosnovik MD

Authors
  1. Matthias Nahrendorf MD
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  2. David E. Sosnovik MD
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  3. Ralph Weissleder MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Matthias Nahrendorf MD.

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RO1-HL078641 (R.W.), UO1-HL080731 (R.W.), D.W. Reynolds foundation (R.W.), K08 HL079984 (D.S.).

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Nahrendorf, M., Sosnovik, D.E. & Weissleder, R. MR-optical imaging of cardiovascular molecular targets. Basic Res Cardiol 103, 87–94 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00395-008-0707-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00395-008-0707-2

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