Non-Invasive Imaging of Atherosclerosis is a primer, reference and review of some of the key features of current activities in the field of atherosclerosis. The Editors' goal is to provide material and stimulating ideas to basic scientists and clinical researchers in order to extend the application of vascular imaging and to further develop methods suitable for investigation of the arterial wall. The first section presents current knowledge about pathology, vascular mechanics and compensatory mechanisms active during atherogenesis. It explores the early lesion, complications of plaques and early detection of plaques. Section II reviews several key methodological issues of B-mode ultrasound imaging and some of the most current data. Quantitative B-mode ultrasound is an established non-invasive tool widely used in large epidemiologic studies and interventional clinical trials of atherosclerosis. The last section addresses the most promising areas of development in vascular imaging. This involves new techniques to evaluate the atherosclerotic bed, to follow atheroma progression/regression and to evaluate vascular mechanics in atherosclerotic arteries. The last chapter places the application of non-invasive imaging in perspective.

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Preface. Section I: Pathology of Atherosclerosis. 1. Carotid Atherosclerosis: From Induction to Complication; H. Bassiouny, et al. 2. The Role of Atherosclerotic Plaque Disruption and Thrombosis in Acute Coronary Heart Disease; J.J. Badimon, et al. Section II: Detection and Monitoring of Atherosclerosis. 3. Validity and Reproducibility of B-Mode Ultrasound in Imaging Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; M. Mercuri, et al. 4. Endothelial Function and Non-Invasive Detection and Quantification of Brachial Artery Reactivity; Rong Tang, et al. 5. Quantitative B-Mode Ultrasound Imaging in Observational Studies; M.L. Bots, D. Grobbee. 6. Interventional Clinical Trials on Carotid Atherosclerosis Progression; M. Mercuri, et al. Section III: Perspectives in Ultrasound Imaging. 7. The Role of Mechanics in Vascular Biology; K. Chandran, M.J. Vonesh. 8. Quantitative Ultrasonic Tissue Characterization with Intravascular and Transcutaneous Ultrasound; S. Wickline, et al. 9. The Image Processing Laboratory; D.D. McPherson. 10. Potential Uses for Ultrasound Imaging in Clinical Trials of Atheroma Progression and Regression; R.J. Thomas. Index.