Detection of coronary atherosclerotic plaques with superficial proteoglycans and foam cells using real-time intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy

We were able to establish a set of characteristic LDL, oxidized LDL, versican and hyaluronan fluorescence spectra, ready to be used for real-time diagnosis. The IFS308 technique detects SFCs and/or proteoglycans in fibrous cap atheromas and PIT lesions. SFCs and proteoglycans are histological markers of vulnerable plaques, and this study is a step further in developing an invasive clinical tool to detect the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.