Multiscale imaging in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI) and aortic aneurysms, are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. This thesis develops new diagnostic tools to visualize and quantify immune responses after MI using ¹⁹F MRI with perfluorocarbon nanoparticles, optimizing particle design, safety, and imaging techniques for preclinical application.

Additionally, it investigates immune involvement in bicuspid aortic valve–associated aneurysms using multiplex immunohistochemistry, identifying adaptive immune cell hubs that may drive aortic dilatation and dissection risk. These findings highlight novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets to improve clinical care in cardiovascular disease.