Canadian Atherosclerosis Imaging Network (CAIN)

The Canadian Atherosclerosis Imaging Network (CAIN) is a pan-Canadian imaging network funded through grants from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This unique research network is focused on the pathobiology of atherosclerotic disease as it pertains to the coronary and carotid circulations (Can J Cardiol. 2013 Mar;29(3):297–303).

The CAIN research program involves the creation of a unique national network focused on in vivo imaging of vessel wall disease, combined with imaging of occult end-organ disease as well as the acquisition of clinical and pathological end points. The network enables unprecedented cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical studies of patients with atherosclerotic disease in coronary or carotid vascular beds. It has been established as an international resource for studying the natural history, progression and regression of atherosclerosis, and novel therapeutic interventions aimed at treating atherosclerosis.

Vascular imaging expertise and infrastructure in all major Canadian cities are linked in this novel multidisciplinary team to form a core clinical research network. Patients are recruited from qualified sites across the country, which enables unique research into the vascular biology of atherosclerosis, imaging technology assessment and clinical vascular imaging. The project leader, co-principal investigators, core and recruitment sites are Canada's leading atherosclerosis imaging experts.