This is a detailed, one-of-a-kind research text on the latest knowledge and advanced clinical imaging procedures for the early detection of atherosclerosis by analysis of plaque morphogenesis. It shows how the new modalities of magnetic resonance imaging, spiral computed tomography, and intravascular ultrasound complement and supplement information gained by angiography and noninvasive duplex ultrasonography. This is the most complete work available on intima-media thickness. containing 15 major chapters by American and European experts from departments of neurology, epidemiology and biostatistics, endocrinology, internal medicine, pathology, pharmacology, cardiology, and public health.

Natural history of atherosclerosis. Watching the risks in atherosclerosis: problems arising with regard to early lesion detection, estimation of plaque progression, and evaluation of plaque stability. Prevalence and risk factors for intima-media thickening. Noninvasive ultrasound methods for the measurement of arterial wall thickness. Sources of arterial wall thickness measurement variability. Mechanical factors and the biology of the blood vessel. Four-dimensional ultrasound for investigation of arterial wall and carotid plaque motion. Compliance and arterial wall thickening. Arterial wall thickness, carotid atherosclerosis, and the risk of myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular stroke. Associations of arterial wall thickening and coronary artery disease. Carotid intima-media thickness and atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities. Arterial wall thickening and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension. Arterial wall thickening and lipids: effects of hypolip idemic drugs on the arterial wall. Progression of arterial wall thickness and its correlation with blood lipids. Influence of drug treatment on arterial wall thickness. Index.

Includes bibliographical references and index.