Imaging of atherosclerosis. Intravascular imaging of the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque: spotlight on temperature measurement.

The vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque is associated with an increased number of acute coronary syndromes. Current techniques such as coronary angiography are unable to detect and prospectively evaluate these lesions. Recently, other techniques, both invasive and noninvasive, are being developed trying to detect the plaque that is at increased risk for rupture eventually resulting in increased thrombosis. This review describes briefly evolving techniques for imaging of vulnerable plaques and describes in detail intravascular thermography.