Quantitative susceptibility mapping of carotid arterial tissue ex vivo: Assessing sensitivity to vessel microstructural composition.

Magnetic susceptibility measured using QSM is sensitive to the microstructural composition of arterial vessels-most notably to collagen. The similarity of human and porcine arterial tissue susceptibility values provides a solid basis for translational studies. Because vessel microstructure becomes disrupted during the onset and progression of carotid atherosclerosis, QSM has the potential to provide a sensitive and specific marker of vessel disease.