In-vivo imaging of acute coronary syndromes

Journal of Clinical and Basic Cardiology 2000; 3 (2): 95-98

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Keywords: Angioskopie,  Koronarangiographie,  Ultraschall,  angioscopy,  coronary angiography,  ultrasound

Imaging of a vulnerable plaque, underlying the occurrence of acute coronary syndromes, would be an important step to a better understanding of the progression and regression of coronary atherosclerosis. In-vivo imaging with coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound and coronary angioscopy is possible but each imaging modality has its own value and limitation. Angioscopy can reliably distinguish between a stable and unstable coronary plaque, while intracoronary ultrasound and coronary angiography are less reliable. However, angioscopy and ultrasound should be regarded as "research" tools and today no reliable routine imaging modality exists to image the vulnerable plaque. J Clin Basic Cardiol 2000; 3: 95?7.