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

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.