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.
Emerging AI Algorithm Shows Promise for Abbreviated Breast MRI in Multicenter Study
April 25th 2025An artificial intelligence algorithm for dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI offered a 93.9 percent AUC for breast cancer detection, and a 92.3 percent sensitivity in BI-RADS 3 cases, according to new research presented at the Society for Breast Imaging (SBI) conference.
The Reading Room Podcast: Current Perspectives on the Updated Appropriate Use Criteria for Brain PET
March 18th 2025In a new podcast, Satoshi Minoshima, M.D., Ph.D., and James Williams, Ph.D., share their insights on the recently updated appropriate use criteria for amyloid PET and tau PET in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Can Abbreviated Breast MRI Have an Impact in Assessing Post-Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response?
April 24th 2025New research presented at the Society for Breast Imaging (SBI) conference suggests that abbreviated MRI is comparable to full MRI in assessing pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Clarius Mobile Health Unveils Anterior Knee Feature for Handheld Ultrasound
April 23rd 2025The T-Mode Anterior Knee feature reportedly offers a combination of automated segmentation and real-time conversion of grayscale ultrasound images into color-coded visuals that bolster understanding for novice ultrasound users.
