Imaging vulnerable plaques by targeting inflammation in atherosclerosis using fluorescent-labeled dual-ligand microparticles of iron oxide and magnetic resonance imaging

Identification of patients with high-risk asymptomatic carotid plaques remains an elusive but essential step in stroke prevention. Currently, there is no clinical imaging tool to assess inflammatory activity within atherosclerotic plaques. Dual-targeted microparticles of iron oxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging constitutes a novel imaging tool for characterization of plaque vulnerability and inflammation at a molecular level, increasing accuracy in predicting which patients require surgical intervention to prevent stroke from those who would require active monitoring.