Vascular Imaging as a Barometer for Early Detection of Heart Disease (VIBE Program)
Plaque is composed of well-calcified, hard, stable components which are bright white on echo, and/or soft, vulnerable components which appear black/gray. The goal of this program is to validate the concept that vascular ultrasound can be used as an early warning “barometer” for vulnerable plaque (unstable plaque that can cause strokes and heart attacks).
Two main projects: Project A – Hardening of the artery (Atherosis/Plaque) and Project B – Stiffening of the artery (Sclerosis).
Given Ontario’s skyrocketing rate of cardiac risk factors, we have a tremendous need for experts adept at technological solutions to detect disease early and accurately.
Funded by:
Early Researcher Award (ERA) – Ministry of Research and Innovation
CINQ Publications:
- Colledanchise KN, Mantella LE, Bullen M, Hetu MF, Abunassar J, Johri AM. (2020) Combined Common Femoral and Carotid Bulb Plaque Area Predicts Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Women. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 33(1):90-100.
- Mantella LE, Colledanchise KN, MSc, Hétu MF, Feinstein SB, Abunassarb J, Johri AM. (2019) Carotid intraplaque neovascularization predicts coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events. European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging. 20(11): 1239-1247.
- Herr J, Hétu MF, Li TY, Ewart P, Johri AM. (2019) Presence of Calcium-Like Tissue Composition in Carotid Plaque is Indicative of Significant Coronary Artery Disease in High Risk Patients. JASE. 32(5):633-642.
- Patton D, Li TY, Day A, Hétu MF, Day AG, Preece E, Matangi MF, Johri AM. (2018) Speckle Tracking Carotid Artery Circumferential Strain is a Marker of Arterial Sclerosis but not Coronary Atherosis. J Clin Ultrasound. 46(9):575-581.