Magnetic resonance imaging: a method for the assessment of changes in vascular structure and function.

A brief review is made of the history of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The advantages and disadvantages of MRI are discussed with particular reference to methods of studying the vascular system. Techniques developed to study separately sclerosis and atherosis, the two components of atherosclerotic disease, are discussed in more detail. Finally, in vitro and in vivo results are presented to demonstrate the great wealth of information already available from the NMR signal and hence its considerable potential for the study of vascular disease in the future.