CT and MRI of coronary atherosclerotic calcified plaques in vitro:Comparison with pathological findings

Objective To assess the value of 64-slice CT and MRI in demonstrating the component of coronary atherosclerotic calcified plaques in vitro. Methods Twelve consecutive autopsy hearts were examined after intubating into left main trunk successfully. Compared with pathological findings,the value of CT in calcified plaque was assessed,and the MR signals of lesions were analyzed. Results Forty-three histological sections were matched with CT and MRI. The mean CT value for calcified plaque was 1065 HU. Low signal on all of the pulse sequences represented calcified plaque. Slightly high signal on MRI representing lipid component could be detected in 48.84% calcified lesions. The neovascularization or inflammatory cells on histological sections were found in 58.14% calcified plaques. Conclusion CT and MRI can both display the features of coronary atherosclerotic calcified plaques. However,MRI is superior to CT for demonstrating the lipid component of calcified plaque.