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Neisius U, Gona PN, Oyama-Manabe N, Chuang ML, O’Donnell CJ, Manning WJ, Tsao CW. Relation of MRI Aortic Wall Area and Plaque to Incident Cardiovascular Events: The Framingham Heart Study. Radiology 2022; 304:542-550. [PMID: 35638924 PMCID: PMC9434818 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.210830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Arterial arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis reflect vascular disease, the subclinical detection of which allows opportunity for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Larger cohort studies simultaneously quantifying anatomic thoracic and abdominal aortic pathologic abnormalities are lacking in the literature. Purpose To investigate the association of aortic wall area (AWA) and atherosclerotic plaque presence and burden as measured on MRI scans with incident CVD in a community sample. Materials and Methods In this prospective cohort study, participants in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort without prevalent CVD underwent 1.5-T MRI (between 2002-2005) of the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta with electrocardiogram-gated axial T2-weighted black-blood acquisitions. The wall thickness of the thoracic aorta was measured at the pulmonary bifurcation level and used to calculate the AWA as the difference between cross-sectional vessel area and lumen area. For primary or secondary analyses, multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the association of aortic MRI measures with risk of first-incident CVD events or stroke and coronary heart disease, respectively. Results In 1513 study participants (mean age, 64 years ± 9 [SD]; 842 women [56%]), 223 CVD events occurred during follow-up (median, 13.1 years), of which 97 were major events (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or CVD death). In multivariable analysis, thoracic AWA and prevalent thoracic plaque were associated with incident CVD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.20 per SD unit [95% CI: 1.05, 1.37] [P = .006] and HR, 1.63 [95% CI: 1.12, 2.35] [P = .01], respectively). AWA and prevalent thoracic plaque were associated with increased hazards: 1.32 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.62; P = .01) and 2.20 (95% CI: 1.28, 3.79; P = .005), for stroke and coronary heart disease, respectively. Conclusion In middle-aged community-dwelling adults, thoracic aortic wall area (AWA), plaque prevalence, and plaque volumes measured with MRI were independently associated with incident cardiovascular disease, with AWA associated in particular with stroke, and plaque associated with coronary heart disease. Clinical trial registration no. NCT00041418 © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Peshock in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Neisius
- From the Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division (U.N., N.O.M., M.L.C., W.J.M., C.W.T.), Cardiovascular Imaging Core Laboratory (M.L.C.), and Department of Radiology (W.J.M.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215; Cardiology Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (U.N., C.J.O.); Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts–Boston, Boston, Mass (P.N.G.); and the Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Mass (C.J.O., C.W.T.)
| | - Philimon N. Gona
- From the Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division (U.N., N.O.M., M.L.C., W.J.M., C.W.T.), Cardiovascular Imaging Core Laboratory (M.L.C.), and Department of Radiology (W.J.M.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215; Cardiology Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (U.N., C.J.O.); Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts–Boston, Boston, Mass (P.N.G.); and the Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Mass (C.J.O., C.W.T.)
| | | | - Michael L. Chuang
- From the Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division (U.N., N.O.M., M.L.C., W.J.M., C.W.T.), Cardiovascular Imaging Core Laboratory (M.L.C.), and Department of Radiology (W.J.M.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215; Cardiology Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (U.N., C.J.O.); Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts–Boston, Boston, Mass (P.N.G.); and the Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Mass (C.J.O., C.W.T.)
| | - Christopher J. O’Donnell
- From the Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division (U.N., N.O.M., M.L.C., W.J.M., C.W.T.), Cardiovascular Imaging Core Laboratory (M.L.C.), and Department of Radiology (W.J.M.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215; Cardiology Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (U.N., C.J.O.); Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts–Boston, Boston, Mass (P.N.G.); and the Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Mass (C.J.O., C.W.T.)
| | - Warren J. Manning
- From the Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division (U.N., N.O.M., M.L.C., W.J.M., C.W.T.), Cardiovascular Imaging Core Laboratory (M.L.C.), and Department of Radiology (W.J.M.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215; Cardiology Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (U.N., C.J.O.); Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts–Boston, Boston, Mass (P.N.G.); and the Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Mass (C.J.O., C.W.T.)
| | - Connie W. Tsao
- From the Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division (U.N., N.O.M., M.L.C., W.J.M., C.W.T.), Cardiovascular Imaging Core Laboratory (M.L.C.), and Department of Radiology (W.J.M.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215; Cardiology Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (U.N., C.J.O.); Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts–Boston, Boston, Mass (P.N.G.); and the Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Mass (C.J.O., C.W.T.)
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Eikendal ALM, Blomberg BA, Haaring C, Saam T, van der Geest RJ, Visser F, Bots ML, den Ruijter HM, Hoefer IE, Leiner T. 3D black blood VISTA vessel wall cardiovascular magnetic resonance of the thoracic aorta wall in young, healthy adults: reproducibility and implications for efficacy trial sample sizes: a cross-sectional study. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2016; 18:20. [PMID: 27075677 PMCID: PMC4831203 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-016-0237-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-clinical detection of atherosclerosis enables personalized preventive strategies in asymptomatic individuals. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has evolved as an attractive imaging modality for studying atherosclerosis in vivo. Yet, the majority of aortic CMR studies and proposed sequences to date have been performed at 1.5 tesla using 2D BB techniques and a slice thickness of 4-5 mm. Here, we evaluate for the first time the reproducibility of an isotropic, T1-weighted, three-dimensional, black-blood, CMR VISTA sequence (3D-T1-BB-VISTA) for quantification of aortic wall characteristics in healthy, young adults. METHODS In 20 healthy, young adults (10 males, mean age 31.3 years) of the AMBITYON cohort study the descending thoracic aorta was imaged with a 3.0 T MR system using the 3D-T1-BB-VISTA sequence. The inter-scan, inter-rater and intra-rater reproducibility of aortic lumen, total vessel and wall area and mean and maximum wall thickness was evaluated using Bland-Altman analyses and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). Based on these findings, sample sizes for detecting differences in aortic wall characteristics between groups were calculated. RESULTS For each studied parameter, the inter-scan, inter-rater and intra-rater reproducibility was excellent as indicated by narrow limits of agreement and high ICCs (ranging from 0.76 to 0.99). Sample sizes required to detect a 5% difference in aortic wall characteristics between two groups were 203, 126, 136, 68 and 153 per group for lumen area, total vessel area and vessel wall area and for mean and maximum vessel wall thickness, respectively. CONCLUSION The 3D-T1-BB-VISTA sequence provides excellent reproducibility for quantification of aortic wall characteristics and can detect small differences between groups with reasonable sample sizes. Hence, it may be a valuable tool for assessment of the subtle vascular wall changes of early atherosclerosis in asymptomatic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk L. M. Eikendal
- />Department of Radiology (E01.132), University Medical Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Björn A. Blomberg
- />Department of Radiology (E01.132), University Medical Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cees Haaring
- />Department of Radiology (E01.132), University Medical Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias Saam
- />Institute of Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Rob J. van der Geest
- />Division of Image Processing, Department of Radiology, 1-C2S Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fredy Visser
- />Department of Radiology (E01.132), University Medical Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- />Philips Healthcare, Veenpluis 4-6, 5684PC Best, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel L. Bots
- />Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hester M. den Ruijter
- />Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Imo E. Hoefer
- />Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Leiner
- />Department of Radiology (E01.132), University Medical Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Rajiah P, Bolen MA. Cardiovascular MR imaging at 3 T: opportunities, challenges, and solutions. Radiographics 2015; 34:1612-35. [PMID: 25310420 DOI: 10.1148/rg.346140048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Although 3-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is well established in neuroradiology and musculoskeletal imaging, it is in the nascent stages in cardiovascular imaging applications, and there is limited literature on this topic. The primary advantage of 3 T over 1.5 T is a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which can be used as such or traded off to improve spatial or temporal resolution and decrease acquisition time. However, the actual gain in SNR is limited by other factors and modifications in sequences adapted for use at 3 T. Higher resonance frequencies result in improved spectral resolution, which is beneficial for fat suppression and spectroscopy. The higher T1 values of tissues at 3 T aid in myocardial tagging, angiography, and perfusion and delayed-enhancement sequences. However, there are substantial challenges with 3-T cardiac MR imaging, including higher magnetic field and radiofrequency inhomogeneities and susceptibility effects, which diminish image quality. Off-resonance artifacts are particularly challenging, especially with steady-state free precession sequences. These artifacts can be managed by using higher-order shimming, frequency scouts, or low repetition times. B1 inhomogeneities can be managed by using radiofrequency shimming, multitransmit coils, or adiabatic pulses. Chemical shifts are also increased at 3 T. The higher radiofrequency results in higher radiofrequency deposition power and a higher specific absorption rate. MR angiography, dynamic first-pass perfusion sequences, myocardial tagging, and MR spectroscopy are more effective at 3 T, whereas delayed-enhancement, flow quantification, and black-blood sequences are comparable at 1.5 T and 3 T. Knowledge of the relevant physics helps in identifying artifacts and modifying sequences to optimize image quality. Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhakar Rajiah
- From the Cardiothoracic Imaging Section, Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106 (P.R.); and Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio (M.A.B.)
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Maroules CD, Rosero E, Ayers C, Peshock RM, Khera A. Abdominal aortic atherosclerosis at MR imaging is associated with cardiovascular events: the Dallas heart study. Radiology 2013; 269:84-91. [PMID: 23781118 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.13122707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the value of two abdominal aortic atherosclerosis measurements at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for predicting future cardiovascular events. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was approved by the institutional review board and complied with HIPAA regulations. The study consisted of 2122 participants from the multiethnic, population-based Dallas Heart Study who underwent abdominal aortic MR imaging at 1.5 T. Aortic atherosclerosis was measured by quantifying mean aortic wall thickness (MAWT) and aortic plaque burden. Participants were monitored for cardiovascular death, nonfatal cardiac events, and nonfatal extracardiac vascular events over a mean period of 7.8 years ± 1.5 (standard deviation [SD]). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess independent associations of aortic atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. RESULTS Increasing MAWT was positively associated with male sex (odds ratio, 3.66; P < .0001), current smoking (odds ratio, 2.53; P < .0001), 10-year increase in age (odds ratio, 2.24; P < .0001), and hypertension (odds ratio, 1.66; P = .0001). A total of 143 participants (6.7%) experienced a cardiovascular event. MAWT conferred an increased risk for composite events (hazard ratio, 1.28 per 1 SD; P = .001). Aortic plaque was not associated with increased risk for composite events. Increasing MAWT and aortic plaque burden both conferred an increased risk for nonfatal extracardiac events (hazard ratio of 1.52 per 1 SD [P < .001] and hazard ratio of 1.46 per 1 SD [P = .03], respectively). CONCLUSION MR imaging measures of aortic atherosclerosis are predictive of future adverse cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Maroules
- Departments of Radiology, Anesthesiology, Clinical Sciences, and Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology and the Donald W. Reynolds Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8896
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Jang S, Yong HS, Doo KW, Kang EY, Woo OH, Choi EJ. Relation of aortic calcification, wall thickness, and distensibility with severity of coronary artery disease: evaluation with coronary CT angiography. Acta Radiol 2012; 53:839-44. [PMID: 22821955 DOI: 10.1258/ar.2012.110604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three known risk factors for aortic atherosclerosis predict the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD): aortic calcification (AC), aortic wall thickness (AWT), and aortic distensibility (AD). PURPOSE To determine the relationship of AC, AWT, and AD with the severity of CAD. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 104 patients who underwent both coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and invasive coronary angiography were enrolled. The severity of CAD was assessed by three methods: the segment involvement score (SIS), the segment stenosis score (SSS), and the modified Gensini score (mG). We quantified AC using the Agatston method on low-dose ungated chest CT (LDCT). We measured AWT at the thickest portion of the descending thoracic aorta on CCTA. AD was calculated as the difference between the maximum and minimum areas of the ascending aorta and the pulse pressure. The relationships between the severity of CAD and the three aortic factors were assessed. RESULTS The AC and AWT of the thoracic aorta were significantly higher in the occlusive CAD (OCAD) group (1984.21 ± 2986.10 vs. 733.00 ± 1648.71, P = 0.01; 4.13 ± 1.48 vs. 3.40 ± 1.01, P = 0.22). Patients with OCAD had more than one epicardial coronary artery with >50% luminal stenosis. The AC (r = 0.453 with SIS; r = 0.454 with SSS; r = 0.427 with mG) and the AWT (r = 0.279 with SIS; r = 0.324 with SSS; r = 0.304 with mG) were significantly correlated with all three methods, and the AD was negatively correlated with the SIS (r = - 0.221, P < 0.05, respectively) in the unadjusted model. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, only the correlations between AC and all three methods assessing CAD remained significant. CONCLUSION There are significant relationships between AC, AWT and AD and severity of CAD. In particular, AC measured on LDCT is the most consistent predictor of severity of CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonah Jang
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwan Seok Yong
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Won Doo
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Young Kang
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ok Hee Woo
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Jung Choi
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Grodin JL, Powell-Wiley TM, Ayers CR, Kumar DS, Rohatgi A, Khera A, McGuire DK, de Lemos JA, Das SR. Circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and abdominal aortic pathology: from the Dallas Heart Study. Vasc Med 2011; 16:339-45. [PMID: 22002999 PMCID: PMC3523319 DOI: 10.1177/1358863x11422110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prior reports have associated increased circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), an endopeptidase active in the extracellular matrix, with the formation and rupture of aortic aneurysms, raising the possibility that MMP-9 may be a useful diagnostic or therapeutic target for aortic pathology. However, associations between MMP-9 and pathological abdominal aortic phenotypes in the general population have not been reported. In the Dallas Heart Study, a population-based sample of Dallas County residents (n = 2304), we measured MMP-9 and performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdominal aorta, measuring aortic compliance, plaque, wall thickness and luminal diameter. After adjustment for traditional cardiac risk factors and body size, higher MMP-9 quartiles were independently associated with higher aortic wall thickness and larger luminal diameter (p < 0.0001 for each), but not abdominal aortic plaque (p = 0.08), coronary artery calcium (p = 0.20) or the aortic luminal diameter/aortic wall thickness ratio (p = 0.37), supporting the hypothesis that therapies targeting MMP-9 may affect the abdominal aortic wall and modify aortic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Grodin
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tiffany M Powell-Wiley
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Colby R Ayers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Darpan S Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anand Rohatgi
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Amit Khera
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Darren K McGuire
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - James A de Lemos
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sandeep R Das
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Rosero EB, Peshock RM, Khera A, Clagett P, Lo H, Timaran CH. Sex, race, and age distributions of mean aortic wall thickness in a multiethnic population-based sample. J Vasc Surg 2011; 53:950-7. [PMID: 21211932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2010.10.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Revised: 10/14/2010] [Accepted: 10/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reference values and age-related changes of the wall thickness of the abdominal aorta have not been described in the general population. We characterized age-, race-, and gender-specific distributions, and yearly rates of change of mean aortic wall thickness (MAWT), and associations between MAWT and cardiovascular risk factors in a multi-ethnic population-based probability sample. METHODS Magnetic resonance imaging measurements of MAWT were performed on 2466 free-living white, black, and Hispanic adult subjects. MAWT race/ethnicity- and gender-specific percentile values across age were estimated using regression analyses. RESULTS MAWT was greater in men than in women and increased linearly with age in all the groups and across all the percentiles. Hispanic women had the thinnest and black men the thickest aortas. Black men had the highest and white women the lowest age-related MAWT increase. Age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, and fasting glucose levels were independent predictors of MAWT. CONCLUSIONS Age, gender, and racial/ethnic differences in MAWT distributions exist in the general population. Such differences should be considered in future investigations assessing aortic atherosclerosis and the effects of anti-atherosclerotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric B Rosero
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Donald W. Reynolds Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, University Of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX 75390-9157, USA
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Abstract
Vessel wall imaging of large vessels has the potential to identify culprit atherosclerotic plaques that lead to cardiovascular events. Comprehensive assessment of atherosclerotic plaque size, composition, and biological activity is possible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Magnetic resonance imaging of the atherosclerotic plaque has demonstrated high accuracy and measurement reproducibility for plaque size. The accuracy of in vivo multicontrast MRI for identification of plaque composition has been validated against histological findings. Magnetic resonance imaging markers of plaque biological activity such as neovasculature and inflammation have been demonstrated. In contrast to other plaque imaging modalities, MRI can be used to study multiple vascular beds noninvasively over time. In this review, we compare the status of in vivo plaque imaging by MRI to competing imaging modalities. Recent MR technological improvements allow fast, accurate, and reproducible plaque imaging. An overview of current MRI techniques required for carotid plaque imaging including hardware, specialized pulse sequences, and processing algorithms are presented. In addition, the application of these techniques to coronary, aortic, and peripheral vascular beds is reviewed.
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Buhk JH, Finck-Wedel AK, Buchert R, Bannas P, Schnackenburg B, Beil FU, Adam G, Weber C. Screening for atherosclerotic plaques in the abdominal aorta in high-risk patients with multicontrast-weighted MRI: a prospective study at 3.0 and 1.5 tesla. Br J Radiol 2010; 84:883-9. [PMID: 21081571 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/16555263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This prospective study compares MRI of atherosclerotic plaque in the abdominal aorta at 3 T with that at 1.5 T in patients suffering from hereditary hyperlipidaemia, a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. METHODS MRI of the abdominal aorta at 1.5 and 3 T was performed in 21 patients (mean age 58 years). The study protocol consisted of proton density (PD), T(1), T(2) and fat-saturated T(2) weighted black blood images of the abdominal aorta in corresponding orientation. Two independent radiologists performed image rating. First, image quality was rated on a five-point scale. Second, atherosclerotic plaques were scored according to the modified American Heart Association (AHA) classification and analysed for field strength-related differences. Weighted κ statistics were calculated to assess interobserver agreement. RESULTS Interobserver agreement was substantial for nearly all categories. MRI at 3 T offered superior image quality in all contrast weightings, most significantly in T(1) and T(2) weighted techniques. Plaque burden in the study collective was unexpectedly moderate. The majority of plaques were classified as AHA III lesions; no lesions were classified above AHA V. There was no significant influence of the field strength regarding the AHA classification. CONCLUSION Abdominal aortal plaque screening is basically feasible at both field strengths, whereas the image quality is rated superior at 3 T. However, the role of the method in clinical practice remains uncertain, since substantial findings in the high-risk collective were scarce.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-H Buhk
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Oshinski JN, Delfino JG, Sharma P, Gharib AM, Pettigrew RI. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 3.0 T: current state of the art. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2010; 12:55. [PMID: 20929538 PMCID: PMC2964699 DOI: 10.1186/1532-429x-12-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2010] [Accepted: 10/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are advantages to conducting cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) studies at a field strength of 3.0 Telsa, including the increase in bulk magnetization, the increase in frequency separation of off-resonance spins, and the increase in T1 of many tissues. However, there are significant challenges to routinely performing CMR at 3.0 T, including the reduction in main magnetic field homogeneity, the increase in RF power deposition, and the increase in susceptibility-based artifacts.In this review, we outline the underlying physical effects that occur when imaging at higher fields, examine the practical results these effects have on the CMR applications, and examine methods used to compensate for these effects. Specifically, we will review cine imaging, MR coronary angiography, myocardial perfusion imaging, late gadolinium enhancement, and vascular wall imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Oshinski
- Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1364 Clifton Road, Room AG34, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, 101 Woodruff Circle Woodruff Memorial Building, Suite 2001, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Jana G Delfino
- Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1364 Clifton Road, Room AG34, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Puneet Sharma
- Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1364 Clifton Road, Room AG34, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ahmed M Gharib
- Laboratory of Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Research Center, Bldg. 10, Rm. 3-5340, MSC 1263, 10 Center Dr., Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Roderic I Pettigrew
- Laboratory of Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Research Center, Bldg. 10, Rm. 3-5340, MSC 1263, 10 Center Dr., Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Left ventricular hypertrophy, aortic wall thickness, and lifetime predicted risk of cardiovascular disease:the Dallas Heart Study. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2010; 3:605-13. [PMID: 20541716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2010.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2009] [Revised: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine whether individuals with low short-term risk of coronary heart disease but high lifetime predicted risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have greater prevalence of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and increased aortic wall thickness (AWT) than those with low short-term and low lifetime risk. BACKGROUND Lifetime risk prediction can be used for stratifying individuals younger than 50 years of age into 2 groups: low short-term/high lifetime and low short-term/low lifetime predicted risk of CVD. Individuals with low short-term/high lifetime risk have a greater burden of subclinical atherosclerosis as measured by coronary artery calcium and carotid intima-media thickness. However, >75% of individuals with low short-term/high lifetime risk do not have detectable coronary artery calcium, suggesting the presence of alternative subclinical abnormalities. METHODS We stratified 1,804 Dallas Heart Study subjects between the ages of 30 and 50 years who had cardiac magnetic resonance into 3 groups: low short-term (<10% 10-year risk of coronary heart disease)/low lifetime predicted risk (<39% lifetime risk of CVD), low short-term (<10%)/high lifetime risk (> or =39%), and high short-term risk (> or =10%, prevalent diabetes, or previous stroke, or myocardial infarction). In those with low short-term risk, we compared measures of LV hypertrophy and AWT between those with low versus high lifetime risk. RESULTS Subjects with low short-term/high lifetime risk compared with those with low short-term/low lifetime risk had increased LV mass (men: 95 +/- 17 g/m(2) vs. 90 +/- 12 g/m(2) and women: 75 +/- 14 g/m(2) vs. 71 +/- 10 g/m(2), respectively; p < 0.001 for both). LV concentricity (mass/volume), wall thickness, and AWT were also significantly greater in those with high lifetime risk in this comparison (p < 0.001 for all), but LV end-diastolic volume was not (p > 0.3). These associations persisted among participants without detectable coronary artery calcium. CONCLUSIONS Among individuals 30 to 50 years of age with low short-term risk, a high lifetime predicted risk of CVD is associated with concentric LV hypertrophy and increased AWT.
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Saam T, Raya JG, Cyran CC, Bochmann K, Meimarakis G, Dietrich O, Clevert DA, Frey U, Yuan C, Hatsukami TS, Werf A, Reiser MF, Nikolaou K. High resolution carotid black-blood 3T MR with parallel imaging and dedicated 4-channel surface coils. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2009; 11:41. [PMID: 19860875 PMCID: PMC2773764 DOI: 10.1186/1532-429x-11-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most of the carotid plaque MR studies have been performed using black-blood protocols at 1.5 T without parallel imaging techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a multi-sequence, black-blood MR protocol using parallel imaging and a dedicated 4-channel surface coil for vessel wall imaging of the carotid arteries at 3 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS 14 healthy volunteers and 14 patients with intimal thickening as proven by duplex ultrasound had their carotid arteries imaged at 3 T using a multi-sequence protocol (time-of-flight MR angiography, pre-contrast T1w-, PDw- and T2w sequences in the volunteers, additional post-contrast T1w- and dynamic contrast enhanced sequences in patients). To assess intrascan reproducibility, 10 volunteers were scanned twice within 2 weeks. RESULTS Intrascan reproducibility for quantitative measurements of lumen, wall and outer wall areas was excellent with intraclass correlation coefficients >0.98 and measurement errors of 1.5%, 4.5% and 1.9%, respectively. Patients had larger wall areas than volunteers in both common carotid and internal carotid arteries and smaller lumen areas in internal carotid arteries (p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between wall area and cardiovascular risk factors such as age, hypertension, coronary heart disease and hypercholesterolemia (Spearman's r = 0.45-0.76, p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found between wall area and body mass index, gender, diabetes or a family history of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION The findings of this study indicate that high resolution carotid black-blood 3 T MR with parallel imaging is a fast, reproducible and robust method to assess carotid atherosclerotic plaque in vivo and this method is ready to be used in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Saam
- Dept of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Jose G Raya
- Josef Lissner Laboratory for Biomedical Imaging, Dept of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens C Cyran
- Dept of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Bochmann
- Dept of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Olaf Dietrich
- Josef Lissner Laboratory for Biomedical Imaging, Dept of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk A Clevert
- Dept of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Ute Frey
- Dept of Surgery, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Chun Yuan
- Dept of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas S Hatsukami
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Dept of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Abe Werf
- Machnet BV, TD Eelde, the Netherlands
| | - Maximilian F Reiser
- Dept of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Dept of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
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Contrast-enhanced whole-heart MR coronary angiography at 3.0 T using the intravascular contrast agent gadofosveset. Invest Radiol 2009; 44:369-74. [PMID: 19554666 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0b013e3181a40d1d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare contrast-enhanced (CE) whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) at 3.0 T using gadofosveset to noncontrast-enhanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) coronary MRA at 1.5 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective randomized study was conducted among 20 healthy male volunteers. The same group of subjects underwent CE whole heart MRA at 3.0 T employing a 3D FLASH sequence with IR prepulse after gadofosveset injection as well as noncontrast-enhanced coronary MRA at 1.5 T using a 3D SSFP sequence with T2-preparation. Both techniques were performed using prospective ECG-triggering and adaptive respiratory gating. Acquisition time, signal-to-noise ratio of coronary blood, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between coronaries and adjacent myocardium or epicardial fat, and image quality were evaluated in each case. RESULTS A significant increase of the overall CNR between coronary blood and adjacent myocardium was measured on images acquired at 3 T in comparison to 1.5 T. The mean values were 38.9 +/- 19.6 and 26.3 +/- 15.4, respectively (P[r] < 0.005). There was no significant difference in CNR between coronary blood and epicardial fat. The mean image quality for the proximal and mid coronary segments was not statistically different between 1.5 T and 3.0 T (P > 0.05), however, the distal coronary segments were rated significantly higher for the CE MRA at 3.0 T (P = 0.02). The average acquisition time (15.29 +/- 5.73 minutes at 1.5 T vs. 17.29 +/- 5.18 minutes at 3 T) and overall image quality (2.15 +/- 0.49 at 1.5 T vs. 2.35 +/- 0.39 at 3 T) were similar for both methods. CONCLUSIONS CE whole-heart coronary MRA at 3.0 T demonstrated higher overall CNR between coronary blood and myocardium and an improved image quality of the distal coronary segments compared with noncontrast-enhanced SSFP coronary MRA at 1.5 T.
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Deng J, Larson AC. Multishot targeted PROPELLER magnetic resonance imaging: description of the technique and initial applications. Invest Radiol 2009; 44:454-62. [PMID: 19465860 PMCID: PMC2888134 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0b013e3181a8b015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test the feasibility of combining inner-volume imaging (IVI) techniques with conventional multishot periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) techniques for targeted-PROPELLER magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Perpendicular section-selective gradients for spatially selective excitation and refocusing RF pulses were applied to limit the refocused field-of-view (FOV) along the phase-encoding direction for each rectangular blade image. We performed comparison studies in phantoms and normal volunteers by using targeted-PROPELLER methods for a wide range of imaging applications that commonly use turbo-spin-echo (TSE) approaches (brain, abdominal, vessel wall, cardiac). RESULTS In these initial studies, we demonstrated the feasibility of using targeted-PROPELLER approaches to limit the imaging FOV thereby reducing the number of blades or permitting increased spatial resolution without commensurate increases in scan time. Both phantom and in vivo motion studies demonstrated the potential for more robust regional self-navigated motion correction compared with conventional full FOV PROPELLER methods. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the reduced FOV targeted-PROPELLER technique offers the potential for reducing imaging time, increasing spatial resolution, and targeting specific areas for robust regional motion correction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Deng
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew C. Larson
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Abstract
This review examines the state of the art in vessel wall imaging by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with an emphasis on the biomechanical assessment of atherosclerotic plaque. Three areas of advanced techniques are discussed. First, alternative contrast mechanisms, including susceptibility, magnetization transfer, diffusion, and perfusion, are presented as to how they facilitate accurate determination of plaque constituents underlying biomechanics. Second, imaging technologies including hardware and sequences, are reviewed as to how they provide the resolution and signal-to-noise ratio necessary for determining plaque structure. Finally, techniques for combining MRI data into an overall assessment of plaque biomechanical properties, including wall shear stress and internal plaque strain, are presented. The paper closes with a discussion of the extent to which these techniques have been applied to different arteries commonly targeted by vessel wall MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S Kerwin
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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Aortic and coronary atherosclerosis: a natural association? Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2008; 25:219-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s10554-008-9389-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Accepted: 11/06/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
Current advances in magnetic resonance, as a diagnostic modality, are discussed in the context of publications from Investigative Radiology during 2007 and 2008. The articles relating to this topic, published during the past 2 years, are reviewed by anatomic region. The discussion concludes with a consideration of magnetic resonance contrast media, focusing on studies published in the journal, and examining in particular the potential impact of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
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