A study by Zhang et al published in Radiology found magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) wall thickness measurements of carotid arteries enhances the quality of cardiovascular disease (CVC) risk assessment.
The researchers enrolled 698 patients from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) from July 2000 to December 2013. Their average age was 63 years old and had no known history of cardiovascular disease. Patients underwent ultrasound and MRI between 2000 and 2004 to compare carotid artery wall thickness.
The researchers found the association between wall thickness and cardiovascular events was stronger with contrast and non-contrast-enhanced MRI than it was for the ultrasound-based carotid intima-media thickness test. When included in the same model, MRI wall thickness, but not intima-media thickness, remained associated with the outcomes.
