Correlation Between Morphological Measurements of Intra- and Extracranial Vessel Wall and Whole-Body Fat Distribution Characteristics

Motivation: Obesity is associated with cardiovascular diseases. However, its effect on cerebrovascular disease remains unclear. Goal(s): To investigate the correlation between morphological measurements of intra- and extracranial arterial vessel walls and whole-body fat distribution characteristics. Approach: A total of 98 volunteers underwent three-dimensional high-resolution MR vessel wall imaging and whole-body MR proton density fat fraction (PDFF) imaging on a 3.0T MRI scanner. Results: The results indicate that the vessel wall thickness of both the extracranial carotid artery and vertebral artery is positively correlated with visceral adipose tissue and the liver-PDFF. Impact: The assessment of vascular health in individuals with central obesity necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of both extracranial carotid arteries and vertebral arteries. This paradigm shift may have far-reaching implications for the prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases associated with obesity.