Plaque characterisation by MRI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Atherosclerotic plaque characterisation by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
IRAS ID
182443
Contact name
Bijan Modarai
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Atherosclerosis is the thickening or “hardening” of a blood vessel wall by the build-up of plaques. Sudden rupture of plaques, followed by thrombus formation can block blood flow to tissues and lead to stroke, myocardial infarction or limb ischaemia. Several biological processes take place within the vessel wall and contribute to the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque. Patient symptoms, together with the degree of narrowing of an artery, currently determines the type of medical treatment offered. Some plaques are, however, more likely to rupture than others and are called “high-risk” or “vulnerable”. Understanding plaque characteristics such as tissue composition and structure may therefore better inform the decision to treat and could help detect high-risk plaques at an earlier stage. \n\nThe purpose of this study is to investigate whether MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can non-invasively detect high-risk atherosclerotic plaques. We aim to image the specific biological composition of the plaque and compare these findings with the histological characterisation of tissue that is removed during surgery. \n\nWe will include vascular patients who are scheduled for surgery for either carotid or femoral endarterectomy. This will allow us to obtain the necessary plaque specimens, which are routinely removed during these operations. Patients will undergo an MRI scan, including the use of contrast agent prior to surgery. \n
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/2025
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion