Possibilities of transesophageal MRI for assessment of aortic disease: A review

The thoracic aortic wall is a common site of atherosclerotic plaque in huma ns. Tools for serial, non-invasive assessment of these plaques are of value for addressing gaps in our basic understanding of the biology of plaque ru pture and its relationship to atherosclerotic disease progression as well a s for monitoring response to anti-atherosclerotic interventions in therapeu tic clinical trials. Common approaches to assessment of the wall of the tho racic aorta in vivo are limited. Here we discuss some of the challenges and limitations encountered by conventional techniques and review a novel appr oach, transesophageal MRI (TEMRI). Initial experiences in applying the TEMR I approach to assessment of aortic morphology and pathology are discussed.