A semi-automated algorithm for quantification of vessel wall angiogenesis associated with early atherosclerosis using magnetic resonance imaging

Detection of atherosclerosis in its early stages with MRI could lead to more effective treatment of the disease. However, the changes that occur in the vessels of animals given a high cholesterol diet to induce atherosclerosis are not visually apparent with conventional MRI techniques. This paper describes a semi-automated algorithm designed to quantify enhancement of the aortic wall after administration of targeted and non-targeted contrast agents in rabbits given a high cholesterol diet. The performance of the program was evaluated on multiple slices taken from eight rabbits. No lumenal narrowing or overall non-specific contrast enhancement was detected in cholesterol-fed animals. Enhancement after administration of a nanoparticle contrast agent specifically targeted to molecules associated with the initial development of atherosclerosis was higher in the cholesterol fed rabbits, providing an early indicator of disease.