Whole-body MRI and MRA for evaluation of the prevalence of atherosclerosis in a cohort of subjectively healthy individuals

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of cardiovascular findings in asymptomatic individuals by means of 1. 5-T whole-body magnetic resonance imaging and angiography. Methods: A cohort of 138 individuals (118 men, 20 women) with a mean age of 54 years (SD ± 7. 55) was referred to whole-body MRI at 1. 5-T, including contrast-enhanced whole-body MR angiography (MRA) and cardiac MRI. A total of 2,065/2,070 vessel segments (99. 8%) and cardiac function were evaluated. Results: Approximately one-fourth of the participating individuals had vascular abnormalities. In 17 subjects (12. 3% of all subjects) significant luminal narrowing was observed in at least one vascular segment. Luminal narrowing (mild to severe) was observed in 1 (0. 7% of all subjects respectively) of the renal arteries, 7 (5. 0%) of the carotid arteries, and 3 (2. 2%) of the pelvic and upper leg arteries, and in 17 segments (12. 3%) of arteries in the lower leg. In cardiac function and perfusion imaging, wall motion disorders were observed in six patients (4. 3%), with additional delayed enhancement and isolated delayed enhancement present in two cases. Functional parameters differed from reference values in 55 cases. Conclusions: Even in an asymptomatic cohort of middle-aged predominantly male individuals, atherosclerotic disease is not uncommon and is detectable by whole-body MRI. Main Messages: • In middle-aged predominantly male individuals, atherosclerotic disease is not uncommon.• Even in an asymptomatic collective, approximately one fourth had vascular abnormalities.• Using whole-body MR angiography (MRA), 99. 8% of 2,070 vessel segments could be evaluated. © 2012 The Author(s).