MRI versus Ultrasound Evaluation of Endothelial Function
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a common condition
that leads to coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease,
and stroke. Early atherosclerosis alters the function of the
endothelium, or lining, of the arteries in the body. A simple
ultrasound technique
known as brachial artery reactivity testing (BART) can be used
to evaluate how well the endothelium works. Results of BART studies
can be used to predict risk of heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately,
BART studies can be difficult to do well, especially in large
subjects.
MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides
highly detailed images of the body. MRI allows us to see the
vascular endothelium in much more detail than what is seen with
BART.
We hypothesize that MRI evaluation of endothelial function
is superior
to that provided by BART. We propose the following study, which
compares the relative utility of MRI versus BART in evaluating
endothelial function in both healthy and abnormal subjects.
We will compare the results of BART and MRI studies to help us
determine if MRI is a practical way to evaluate endothelial function.
We will use 10 healthy volunteers, as well as 10 volunteers with
the metabolic syndrome, a condition of abnormal glucose and cholesterol
levels as well as abnormal endothelial function. No medical treatment
or invasive procedures are involved in this study.