Abstract
ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of cardiovascular findings in asymptomatic individuals by means of 1.5-T whole-body magnetic resonance imaging and angiography.MethodsA 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.ResultsApproximately 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.ConclusionsEven 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.
Highlights
The first manifestation of cardiovascular disease may occur as a fatal event such as myocardial infarction or stroke [27]
Insights Imaging (2012) 3:485–493 disease allow the initiation of secondary preventive measures, which seems to be most favorable in early disease stages. This has been shown to be beneficial for risk reduction related to subsequent events such as myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death [1, 2]
Various diagnostic methods have been used to evaluate the presence of atherosclerosis in humans; only certain modalities are adequate for use in asymptomatic persons
Summary
The first manifestation of cardiovascular disease may occur as a fatal event such as myocardial infarction or stroke [27]. Insights Imaging (2012) 3:485–493 disease allow the initiation of secondary preventive measures, which seems to be most favorable in early disease stages. This has been shown to be beneficial for risk reduction related to subsequent events such as myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death [1, 2]. Wb-MRI has been predominantly used for cancer staging or follow-up examinations in subjects with a history of malignant disease and not as a primary screening tool
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