Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports

, Volume 4, Issue 1, pp 77–84 | Cite as

Molecular MRI of Thrombosis

Article
First Online:

Abstract

This review focuses on recent approaches in using targeted MRI probes for noninvasive molecular imaging of thrombosis. Probe design strategies are discussed: choice of molecular target; nanoparticle versus small-molecule probe; and gadolinium versus iron oxide imaging reporter. Examples of these different design strategies are chosen from the recent literature. Novel contrast agents used to image direct and indirect binding to fibrin have been described as well as direct binding to activated platelets. Emphasis is placed on probes where utility has been demonstrated in animal models or in human clinical trials.

Keywords

Thrombus MRI Molecular imaging Fibrin Factor XIII Activated platelets Gadolinium Iron oxide 
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Notes

Acknowledgment

This work was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (EB009062 to P.C.). K.L.C. was supported by a T32 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (5T32CA009502).

Disclosure

K. L. Ciesienski: none; P. Caravan: holds stock in Catalyst Medical LLC.

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of RadiologyMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUSA

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