Analysis of Atherosclerotic Plaque Composition with Multicolor CT

The life of radiologists is about to get a lot more colorful. Yesterday we reported on color MRI segmentation of the brain, today we have a report on color CT for atherosclerotic plaque analysis. Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine have used spectral CT in combination with a gold high-density lipoprotein nanoparticle contrast agent for characterization of macrophage burden, calcification, and stenosis of atherosclerotic plaques. They used an experimental CT scanner from Philips that divides the X-ray spectrum from a single X-ray tube voltage into six energy bins. This way they could accurately distinguish the gold-based contrast agent from an iodinated contrast agent, tissue and calcium-rich matter in mice and were even able to calculate the concentrations. The gold particles were absorbed by macrophages that cause inflammation in the arterial wall at the places of atherosclerotic plaques. Using this method it should be possible to simultaneously acquire information on stenosis, calcification and inflammation. Advantages of this method compared to other methods such as MRI and PET include the lack of a need for precontrast scans, increased resolution and faster imaging. The data are published in the September issue of Radiology.
Press release: Mount Sinai pioneers new cardiac imaging device…
Article abstract: Atherosclerotic Plaque Composition: Analysis with Multicolor CT and Targeted Gold Nanoparticles…
Image: Stock photomicrograph of atherosclerosis from Wellcome Images