Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent Targeted Toward Activated Platelets Allows In Vivo Detection of Thrombosis and Monitoring of Thrombolysis

Abstract

LIBS MPIOs allow in vivo MRI of activated platelets with excellent contrast properties and monitoring of thrombolytic therapy. Furthermore, activated platelets were detected on the surface of symptomatic human carotid plaques by ex vivo MRI. This approach represents a novel noninvasive technique allowing the detection and quantification of platelet-containing thrombi.