High-Resolution Computerized Tomography (CT) in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death, so research to develop and assess new diagnostic techniques and therapies is vital.

In this research project, we aim to develop and apply high-resolution computerized tomography (CT) methods to detect and explore the effects of cardiovascular risk factors on myocardial and renal microvessels. These risk factors include hypertension and obesity.

Using advanced medical imaging techniques, our lab is able to identify structural and functional changes of microcirculation in the heart and kidneys in order to develop and evaluate new approaches to these pathogenic conditions. We're also applying these tools to investigate the impact on the heart and kidneys of interventions and novel therapies such as transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells or mesenchymal stem cells.

These studies are likely to shed important light on the mechanisms of atherosclerotic heart and kidney disease and suggest new preventive and interventional measures.

We also have adopted and developed new applications for a novel imaging technique with high-resolution micro-CT, which can identify early changes in cardiac and renal vascular structures.

Ultimately, we hope our research helps identify people who are likely to benefit from specific interventions and leads to strategies to foster individualized therapeutic approaches.

Project contact

For more information about this project, email Xiang Y. Zhu, M.D., Ph.D.