On the Generalization of Carotid Vessel Wall MRI Risk Factors Across Imaging Centers

Kiyofumi Yamada¹, Martine Truijman², William Kerwin¹, Jie Sun¹, Yan Song³, Mat Daemen², Eline Kooi², Chun Yuan¹

The purpose of this investigation was to understand the cross-center similarities and differences of two independent carotid vessel wall imaging centers. Ten subjects were recruited from each of two imaging centers for multicontrast MRI and plaque compositional analysis. We found good association across centers suggesting similar results regarding the association of risk factors with outcome can be expected across centers. On the other hand, considerable biases between absolute values of quantitative parameters were observed. Thus, in order for risk factors to be translated into clinical practice with appropriate risk thresholds, the source of bias must be ascertained and eliminated.