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Relationship between Framingham risk score and subclinical atherosclerosis in carotid plaques: an in vivo study using multi-contrast MRI

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Abstract

The assessment and management of early-stage atherosclerosis are important for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, we used multi-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the carotid plaque feature in asymptomatic, at-risk subjects; we also evaluated the correlation between MRI findings and Framingham risk score (FRS). One hundred sixty-six asymptomatic individuals with risk factors for CVD underwent multi-contrast MRI. After the arterial morphology and plaque components were outlined, the differences in carotid plaque burden among the various risk categories were analyzed. The FRS analysis showed that high-risk individuals had thicker vessel wall and higher plaque lipid content than did low risk participants. A substantial proportion of advanced carotid plaques occurred in low and intermediate-risk groups. Multi-contrast MRI may provide incremental value to the FRS in managing asymptomatic at-risk population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China

    Feiyu Li & Xiaoying Wang

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  1. Feiyu Li
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  2. Xiaoying Wang
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Correspondence to Xiaoying Wang.

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Li, F., Wang, X. Relationship between Framingham risk score and subclinical atherosclerosis in carotid plaques: an in vivo study using multi-contrast MRI. Sci. China Life Sci. 60, 23–27 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-016-0385-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-016-0385-5

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