Light-based imaging 'sees' thin fibrous cap
Autopsy studies indicate that soft plaque with a fibrous cap measuring less than 65 microns is at risk of imminent rupture. Multislice CT and MR imaging, with resolutions around 200 and 300 microns, respectively, cannot help predict a rupture. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), however, can obtain an in vivo resolution well below 65 microns.
Autopsy studies indicate that soft plaque with a fibrous cap measuring less than 65 microns is at risk of imminent rupture. Multislice CT and MR imaging, with resolutions around 200 and 300 microns, respectively, cannot help predict a rupture. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), however, can obtain an in vivo resolution well below 65 microns.
Dr. Osamu Katoh and colleagues at Toyohashi Heart Center in Japan used OCT to measure minimal and maximal thickness and length of the fibrous caps in stable and vulnerable plaques (Am J Cardiol 2004;94[suppl 6A]:142E). Four lesions were considered vulnerable, and three were considered stable.
The mean minimal thickness of the fibrous caps was significantly less in the vulnerable group (30 microns) than in the stable group (70 microns). The differences in maximal thickness and length between the two groups were not significant.
Large Study Affirms Safety of Ultrasound Enhancing Agents for Echocardiography
May 16th 2025Those receiving ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) for transthoracic or stress echocardiography had lower odds of all-cause death in comparison to patients who did not have UEAs, according to a nationwide study involving 11.4 million patients.
BrightHeart Garners Third FDA Clearance for AI-Powered Assessments of Fetal Heart Ultrasound
May 14th 2025The latest FDA 510(k) clearance is for B-Right Views, an AI-enabled device, which provides automated detection of required views necessary for second- and third-trimester fetal heart ultrasound exams.
