Molecular imaging of large arteries by ultrasound: Potentials and pitfalls

The cause of cardiovascular diseases is often atherosclerosis. A torn atherosclerotic plaque causes thrombi that can lead to a heart or brain infarct. With ultrasound (echography) an atherosclerotic plaque can be made visible. However, it is not yet possible to determine the risk of tearing with ultrasound. A new development uses molecular imaging involving a contrast agent to visualize the presence of atherosclerosis-specific molecules that can play a role in the tearing. This dissertation describes a method to visualize a plaque by means of white blood cells that were charged with an ultra sound contrast agent. It is shown that the cells that were charged with blood cells are detectable in the blood stream and that the contrast agent has no influence on the roll and attachment behaviour on the activated vascular wall. This new acquired knowledge is essential for the development of efficient diagnostics.

This research was financially supported by the ‘Nederlandse Hartstichting’