Cardiovascular events are a major source of morbidity and mortality within the ageing population, a
process most commonly triggered by atherosclerotic disease. This article summarises
studies carried out in a prospective cohort of asymptomatic individuals, to determine if carotid
plaque morphology and composition as determined by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can
be used to identify asymptomatic subjects at risk of cardiovascular events. This non-invasive
means of vascular assessment has a potential future role for imaging biomarkers in clinical
management and as a surrogate endpoint in future research studies.
studies carried out in a prospective cohort of asymptomatic individuals, to determine if carotid
plaque morphology and composition as determined by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can
be used to identify asymptomatic subjects at risk of cardiovascular events. This non-invasive
means of vascular assessment has a potential future role for imaging biomarkers in clinical
management and as a surrogate endpoint in future research studies.