Near-infrared autofluorescence marks high-risk atherosclerotic plaques

Lead researcher

Nay Min Htun

Main finding

We suggest that near-infrared autofluorescence imaging allows for identification of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques and ultimately holds promise for detection of such plaques in patients.

Centre

Other

Research group

Monash Micro Imaging

Co-authors

Yung Chih Chen, Bock Lim, Tara Schiller, Ghassan J. Maghzal, Alex L. Huang, Kirstin D. Elgass, Jennifer Rivera, Hans G. Schneider, Bayden R. Wood, Roland Stocker, Karlheinz Peter

Journal and article title

Nature Communications

Near-infrared autofluorescence induced by intraplaque hemorrhage and heme degradation as marker for high-risk atherosclerotic plaques

Most surprising

Our study demonstrates that autofluorescence in the NIR range uniquely characterizes high-risk atherosclerotic plaques.

Future implications

Early detection of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques to prevent plaque rupture, which can cause potentially catastrophic outcomes such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

Disease/health impact

Atherosclerosis