Hobbs 3T MRI

Abstract : This contract supports the installation and use of a research-dedicated 3 Tesla (3T) imaging system to measure the size, strength, and function of the heart as well as to quantify the atherosclerotic burden in the aorta and carotid arteries in a multi-ethnic, population based cohort (the Dallas Heart Study-2). It supports accelerated parallel imaging of the heart, abdominal aorta, and carotids, and brain and reduces the time required for imaging each subject. The detailed imaging data obtained on each participant will be integrated with classical risk factors, biomarkers, and genetic markers to produce individualized prescriptions for prevention of heart disease. The development of such prescriptions could be translated into clinical practice to reduce death and disability from atherosclerotic heart disease. To date, 1808 (with the 3T MRI covered by this grant) DHS-2 participants have undergone imaging of the brain, carotids, aorta, and heart, including measuring cardiac volumes, ventricular wall thickness and ejection fraction. Analysis of the MRI images for left ventricular function/mass, diastolic function, aortic atherosclerosis, carotid atherosclerosis, and brain volumes is in progress.