Determination of Viscosity and Formations of Atherosclerotic Plaque Using Diffusion MRI Analysis

Motivation: To determine physical characteristics of biological tissues non-invasively. Goal(s): To assess viscosity and formations of atherosclerotic plaque using multi-component analysis of diffusion-weight imaging. Approach: Bi-exponential diffusion analysis was performed and viscosity of atherosclerotic plaque was converted to the diffusion coefficient using a function derived from an experiment using phantoms. Results: Twelve plaque tissues were divided into two components, viscous or other materials. The mean diffusion coefficients and were 1.6±3.6 and 4.7±3.7 mm2/s. Impact: Non-invasively obtaining detailed information on the viscosity and formations of atherosclerotic plaque.