Imaging has become an indispensable tool in the research and clinical management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). An array of imaging technologies is considered for CVD diagnostics and therapeutic assessment, ranging from ultrasonography, X-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to nuclear and optical imaging methods. Each method has different operational characteristics and assesses different aspects of CVD pathophysiology; nevertheless, more information is desirable for achieving a comprehensive view of the disease. Optoacoustic (photoacoustic) imaging is an emerging modality promising to offer novel information on CVD parameters by allowing high-resolution imaging of optical contrast several centimeters deep inside tissue. Implemented with illumination at several wavelengths, multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) in particular, is sensitive to oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, water and lipids allowing imaging of the vasculature, tissue oxygen saturation and metabolic or inflammatory parameters. Progress with fast-tuning lasers, parallel detection and advanced image reconstruction and data-processing algorithms have recently transformed optoacoustics from a laboratory tool to a promising modality for small animal and clinical imaging. We review progress with optoacoustic CVD imaging, highlight the research and diagnostic potential and current applications and discuss the advantages, limitations and possibilities for integration into clinical routine.

影像学已成为心血管疾病（CVD）研究和临床管理中不可或缺的工具。CVD 诊断和治疗评估考虑使用一系列成像技术，从超声检查、X 射线计算机断层扫描和磁共振成像到核成像和光学成像方法。每种方法都有不同的操作特点，并评估 CVD 病理生理学的不同方面；然而，为了全面了解该疾病，需要更多信息。光声（光声）成像是一种新兴的成像方式，通过对组织内部几厘米深处的光学对比度进行高分辨率成像，有望提供有关 CVD 参数的新信息。特别是多光谱光声断层扫描 (MSOT) 通过多个波长的照明来实现，对含氧和脱氧血红蛋白、水和脂质敏感，可以对脉管系统、组织氧饱和度以及代谢或炎症参数进行成像。快速调谐激光器、并行检测以及先进的图像重建和数据处理算法的进步最近使光声学从实验室工具转变为小动物和临床成像的有前途的模式。我们回顾了光声 CVD 成像的进展，强调了研究和诊断潜力以及当前的应用，并讨论了整合到临床常规中的优点、局限性和可能性。