Atherosclerosis, a systemic disease characterized by hardening and narrowing of the arteries, is a leading cause of death in Westernized countries. Imaging methods that provide for detection and characterization of atherosclerotic plaques may be useful for identifying plaques predisposed to atheroembolic events, and guiding appropriate medical therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has demonstrated this potential. However, current MRI methods are either too slow for routine use in the clinical setting, or have significant limitations in assessing the morphological details of atheroma. In this dissertation, new MRI approaches for efficient and high-fidelity arterial wall imaging are presented and evaluated. In comparison with two-dimensional methods currently used for arterial wall MRI, the proposed methods provide for improved contrast-to-noise ratio and/or the capability for higher spatial resolution three-dimensional imaging. MRI methods used in conjunction with contrast agents, either in preclinical animal models or controlled phantom experiments, are also reported. The findings of these latter studies may help guide future contrast-enhanced MRI investigations seeking to either improve the conspicuity of atheroma, or probe cellular activity within atherosclerotic lesions
