Anatomical and radiological description of ligament insertions on the radial aspect of the scaphoid bone.

Anatomical studies on the radial side of the scaphoid mention inter-ligamentous connections, but without detailed description of their relations to one another. The purpose of this study was to provide an anatomical and radiological description of the ligamentous structure on the radial side of the scaphoid. High-field 3-Tesla 3D MRI scans of 7 cadaveric formaldehyde-fixed wrists were performed to assess the presence and location of each ligament. Dissection was performed in 10 wrists under microscopy on the radial side to assess the dimensions, anatomical variations and angles between ligaments in various wrist positions during in intracarpal pronation/supination, flexion/extension and ulnar/radial deviation. This study confirmed that the same ligament configuration was found on MRI and on dissection. The scaphotrapezial ligament, dorsal intercarpal ligament and radial collateral ligament fibers merge along the dorsal ridge of the scaphoid. The fibers of the radial collateral and radioscaphocapitate ligaments could be distinguished in only 4/10 specimens. Wrist position changes from intracarpal pronation to supination produced major changes in angle between the scaphotrapezial and dorsal intercarpal ligaments, while other position changes affected this angle only slightly. 3D MRI sequences allow these structures to be systematically analyzed in case of scapholunate instability. Further studies should be conducted to assess the biomechanical properties of these ligaments and the clinical consequences of isolated injury in this region.

Diffusion-Weighted Imaging to Assess HPV-Positive versus HPV-Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Importance of b-Values.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Controversy exists as to whether ADC histograms are capable to distinguish human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) from human papillomavirus-negative (HPV-) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. We investigated how the choice of b-values influences the capability of ADC histograms to distinguish between the two tumor types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four consecutive patients with histologically proved primary oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (11 HPV+ and 23 HPV-) underwent 3T MR imaging with a single-shot EPI DWI sequence with 6 b-values (0, 50, 100, 500, 750, 1000 s/mm2). Monoexponentially calculated perfusion-sensitive (including b=0 s/mm2) and perfusion-insensitive/true diffusion ADC maps (with b ≥ 100 s/mm2 as the lowest b-value) were generated using Matlab. The choice of b-values included 2 b-values (ADCb0-1000, ADCb100-1000, ADCb500-1000, ADCb750-1000) and 3-6 b-values (ADCb0-750-1000, ADCb0-500-750-1000, ADCb0-50-100-1000, ADCb0-50-100-750-1000, ADCb0-50-100-500-750-1000). Readers blinded to the HPV- status contoured all tumors. ROIs were then copied onto ADC maps, and their histograms were compared. RESULTS: ADC histogram metrics in HPV+ and HPV- oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma changed significantly depending on the b-values. The mean ADC was lower, and skewness was higher in HPV+ than in HPV- oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma only for ADCb0-1000, ADCb0-750-1000, and ADCb0-500-750-1000 (P < .05), allowing distinction between the 2 tumor types. Kurtosis was significantly higher in HPV+ versus HPV- oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma for all b-value combinations except 2 perfusion-insensitive maps (ADCb500-1000 and ADCb750-1000). Among all b-value combinations, kurtosis on ADCb0-1000 had the highest diagnostic performance to distinguish HPV+ from HPV- oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (area under the curve = 0.893; sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 82.6%). Acquiring multiple b-values for ADC calculation did not improve the distinction between HPV+ and HPV- oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of b-values significantly affects ADC histogram metrics in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Distinguishing HPV+ from HPV- oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is best possible on the ADCb0-1000 map.

Comparing dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion post-processing with different clinically available software among patients affected of a high-grade glioma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The main purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate inter-software variability in patients affected of a high-grade glioma for the post-processing of dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC1) perfusion imaging in MRI.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The included patients were either anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO3 grade III) or glioblastoma (WHO grade IV) located in the cerebral parenchyma. The postprocessing of 54 MRI-DSC imaging from 46 patients using both Intellispace.. (Philips) and Olea.. (Olea Medical) software was performed. The hemodynamic parameter studied was the normalised relative cerebral blood volume corrected for the T1 leakage effect (nrCBVc4). The inter-operator variabilities were also evaluated. RESULTS: Regarding inter-software reproducibility, Cohen...s Kappa from therapeutic follow-up obtained were 0.61, close to the recommended limit (0.60). Subgroups were created to complete the analysis and to evaluate the partial volume effect. Even if necrosis or vascular structures from regions of interest (ROI5) were avoided, results did not improve. ROI of a minimum area of 250...mm2 yielded a Cohen...s Kappa of 0.65. The inter-operator reproducibility on Intellispace and Olea were 0.90 and 0.73 respectively, which is satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The reproducibility between Intellispace and Olea was below recommended threshold in a clinical context. This discrepancy can be explained by the partial volume effect and the models used. ROI with an area of at least 250...mm2 improves this reproducibility and becomes acceptable.

Large Neck and Strong Ostium Inflow as the Potential Causes for Delayed Occlusion of Unruptured Sidewall Intracranial Aneurysms Treated by Flow Diverter.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flow diverter-induced hemodynamic change plays an important role in the mechanism of intracranial aneurysm occlusion. Our aim was to explore the relationship between aneurysm features and flow-diverter treatment of unruptured sidewall intracranial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging, 4D phase-contrast, was prospectively performed before flow diverter implantation in each patient with unruptured intracranial aneurysm. Two postprocedure follow-ups were scheduled at 6 and 12 months. Responses were grouped according to whether the aneurysms were occluded or remnant. Preprocedural aneurysm geometries and ostium hemodynamics in 38 patients were compared between the 2 groups at 6 and 12 months. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed for significant geometric and hemodynamic continuous parameters. RESULTS: After the 6-month assessment, 21 of 41 intracranial aneurysms were occluded, and 9 additional aneurysms were occluded at 12 months. Geometrically, the ostium maximum diameter was significantly larger in the remnant group at 6 and 12 months (both P < .001). Hemodynamically, the proximal inflow zone was more frequently observed in the remnant group at 6 months. Several preprocedural ostium hemodynamic parameters were significantly higher in the remnant group. As a prediction for occlusion, the areas under the curve of the ostium maximum diameter (for 6 and 12 months), systolic inflow rate ratio (for 6 months), and systolic inflow area (for 12 months) reached 0.843, 0.883, 0.855, and 0.860, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial aneurysms with a large ostium and strong ostium inflow may need a longer time for occlusion. Preprocedural 4D flow MR imaging can well illustrate ostium hemodynamics and characterize aneurysm treatment responses.

[Prostate MRI and screening: Practice survey with general practitioner of the "Bourgogne-Franche Comté" region]. / IRM de prostate et dépistage : enquête de la pratique auprès des médecins généralistes de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

PURPOSE: The goal of our study was to describe general practitioner's (GP) practice regarding prostate cancer screening, the prescribing of prostate MRI and to investigate the factors associated with the prescribing of prostate MRI (pMRI). METHODS: A survey was addressed to 1127 GP of the "Bourgogne-Franche Comté" region before the new CCAFU's guidelines publication. RESULTS: 93 practitioners responded, giving a response rate of 8.3%. Eighty GP (86%) responded performing prostate cancer screening. The main means used were the assaying of PSA alone (23 practitioners, 28.8%) or the combination of PSA dosage and digital rectal examination (36 practitioners: 45%). It should be noted that 31 practitioners (39%) did not perform digital rectal examination as part of prostate cancer screening. Thirty two physicians prescribed pMRIs (34.5%.) before any urological consultation. The main indications were several abnormal PSA assays (27 GP, 84.4%) and/or suspicious rectal examination (15 GP, 46.9%). The main reason of this prescription was the gain of time for patient or urologist. Screening was carried out independently of the demographic characteristics of the physicians interviewed. Similarly, the prescription of prostate MRI was not related to the achievement of prostate cancer screening or the screening methods used. CONCLUSION: It seems that the prescription of pMRI has already become part of the prescribing habits of a number of general practitioners. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

How Flow Reduction Influences the Intracranial Aneurysm Occlusion: A Prospective 4D Phase-Contrast MRI Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flow-diverter stents are widely used for the treatment of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. Various parameters may influence intracranial aneurysm thrombosis, including the flow reduction induced by flow-diverter stent implantation, which is assumed to play a leading role. However, its actual impact remains unclear due to the lack of detailed intra-aneurysmal flow measurements. This study aimed to clarify this relationship by quantitatively measuring the intra-aneurysmal flow using 4D phase-contrast MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We acquired prospective pre- and post-stent implantation 4D phase-contrast MR imaging data of a consecutive series of 23 patients treated with flow-diverter stents. Velocity field data were combined with the intraprocedural 3D angiogram vessel geometries for precise intracranial aneurysm extraction and partial volume correction. Intra-aneurysmal hemodynamic modifications were compared with occlusion outcomes at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: The averaged velocities at systole were lower after flow-diverter stent implantation for all patients and ranged from 21.7 ± 7.1 cm/s before to 7.2 ± 2.9 cm/s after stent placement. The velocity reduction was more important for the group of patients with aneurysm thrombosis at 6 months (68.8%) and decreased gradually from 66.2% to 55% for 12-month thrombosis and no thrombosis, respectively (P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: We propose an innovative approach to measure intracranial flow changes after flow-diverter stent implantation. We identified a trend between flow reduction and thrombosis outcome that brings a new insight into current understanding of the flow-diversion treatment response.

Errors in power-law estimations of inflow rates for intracranial aneurysm CFD.

Patient-specific inflow rates are rarely available for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies of intracranial aneurysms. Instead, inflow rates are often estimated from parent artery diameters via power laws, i.e. Q ∝ Dn, reflecting adaptation of conduit arteries to demanded flow. The present study aimed to validate the accuracy of these power laws. Internal carotid artery (ICA) flow rates were measured from 25 ICA aneurysm patients via 2D phase contrast MRI. ICA diameters, derived from 3D segmentation of rotational angiograms, were used to estimate inflow rates via power laws from the aneurysm CFD literature assuming the same inlet wall shear stress (WSS) (n = 3), velocity (n = 2) or flow rate (n = 0) for all cases. To illustrate the potential impact of errors in flow rate estimates, pulsatile CFD was carried out for four cases having large errors for at least one power law. Flow rates estimated by n = 3 and n = 0 power laws had significant (p < 0.01) mean biases of -22% to +32%, respectively, but with individual errors ranging from -78% to +120%. The n = 2 power law had no significant bias, but had non-negligible individual errors of -58% to +71%. CFD showed similarly large errors for time-averaged sac WSS; however, these were reduced after normalizing by parent artery WSS. High frequency WSS fluctuations, evident in 2/4 aneurysms, were also sensitive to inflow rate errors. Care should therefore be exercised in the interpretation of aneurysm CFD studies that rely on power law estimates of inflow rates, especially if absolute (vs. normalized) WSS, or WSS instabilities, are of interest.

Feasibility of a Synthetic MR Imaging Sequence for Spine Imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Synthetic MR imaging is a method that can produce multiple contrasts from a single sequence, as well as quantitative maps. Our aim was to determine the feasibility of a synthetic MR image for spine imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with clinical indications of infectious, degenerative, and neoplastic disease underwent an MR imaging of the spine (11 cervical, 8 dorsal, and 19 lumbosacral MR imaging studies). The SyntAc sequence, with an acquisition time of 5 minutes 40 seconds, was added to the usual imaging protocol consisting of conventional sagittal T1 TSE, T2 TSE, and STIR TSE. RESULTS: Synthetic T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and STIR images were of adequate quality, and the acquisition time was 53% less than with conventional MR imaging. The image quality was rated as "good" for both synthetic and conventional images. Interreader agreement concerning lesion conspicuity was good with a Cohen κ of 0.737. Artifacts consisting of white pixels/spike noise across contrast views, as well as flow artifacts, were more common in the synthetic sequences, particularly in synthetic STIR. There were no statistically significant differences between readers concerning the scores assigned for image quality or lesion conspicuity. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that synthetic MR imaging is feasible in spine imaging and produces, in general, good image quality and diagnostic confidence. Furthermore, the non-negligible time savings and the ability to obtain quantitative measurements as well as to generate several contrasts with a single acquisition should promise a bright future for synthetic MR imaging in clinical routine.

Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques of the spine and spinal cord in children and adults.

In this article, we illustrate the main advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques used for imaging of the spine and spinal cord in children and adults. This work focuses on daily clinical practice and aims to address the most common questions and needs of radiologists. We will also provide tips to solve common problems with which we were confronted. The main clinical indications for each MR technique, possible pitfalls and the challenges faced in spine imaging because of anatomical and physical constraints will be discussed. The major advanced MRI techniques dealt with in this article are CSF, (cerebrosopinal fluid) flow, diffusion, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), MRA, dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted perfusion, MR angiography, susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), functional imaging (fMRI) and spectroscopy. TEACHING POINTS: • DWI is essential to diagnose cord ischaemia in the acute stage. • MRA is useful to guide surgical planning or endovascular embolisation of AVMs. • Three Tesla is superior to 1.5 T for spine MR angiography and spectroscopy. • Advanced sequences should only be used together with conventional morphological sequences.

Normal Values of Magnetic Relaxation Parameters of Spine Components with the Synthetic MRI Sequence.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: SyMRI is a technique developed to perform quantitative MR imaging. Our aim was to analyze its potential use for measuring relaxation times of normal components of the spine and to compare them with values found in the literature using relaxometry and other techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two spine MR imaging studies (10 cervical, 5 dorsal, 17 lumbosacral) were included. A modified multiple-dynamic multiple-echo sequence was added and processed to obtain quantitative T1 (millisecond), T2 (millisecond), and proton density (percentage units [pu]) maps for each patient. An ROI was placed on representative areas for CSF, spinal cord, intervertebral discs, and vertebral bodies, to measure their relaxation. RESULTS: Relaxation time means are reported for CSF (T1 = 4273.4 ms; T2 = 1577.6 ms; proton density = 107.5 pu), spinal cord (T1 = 780.2 ms; T2 = 101.6 ms; proton density = 58.7 pu), normal disc (T1 = 1164.9 ms; T2 = 101.9 ms; proton density = 78.9 pu), intermediately hydrated disc (T1 = 723 ms; T2 = 66.8 ms; proton density = 60.8 pu), desiccated disc (T1 = 554.4 ms; T2 = 55.6 ms; proton density = 47.6 ms), and vertebral body (T1 = 515.3 ms; T2 = 100.8 ms; proton density = 91.1 pu). Comparisons among the mean T1, T2, and proton density values showed significant differences between different spinal levels (cervical, dorsal, lumbar, and sacral) for CSF (proton density), spinal cord (T2 and proton density), normal disc (T1, T2, and proton density), and vertebral bodies (T1 and proton density). Significant differences were found among mean T1, T2, and proton density values of normal, intermediately hydrated, and desiccated discs. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements can be easily obtained on SyMRI and correlated with previously published values obtained using conventional relaxometry techniques.

One-day diagnosis for hepatobiliary and pancreatic lesions: An innovative patient-centered care pathway organization.

OBJECTIVE: Reducing the time required for diagnosis is one of the major challenges to improving and accelerating the management of patients. The aim of this work is to describe an organizational innovation in the management of patients with hepatobiliary or pancreatic diseases, and to report the initial results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary and multi-professional working group designed and instituted a patient-centered organizational system that optimizes the investigation of liver and pancreatic diseases, in order to achieve diagnosis in one day. From January 2017 to June 2017, all patients referred for consultation for hepatobiliary or pancreatic pathology were included in this new management pathway. Data were collected prospectively in a standardized form. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients with hepatobiliary or pancreatic disease were evaluated in the program during dedicated slots over a total of 20 days. Of these, four patients underwent evaluation in the program twice. The average number of patient slots in the program was three per day (range: 1-5). An additional computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was required in 23 (41.7%) of the visits. These imaging studies were performed the same day, including nine patients who required both types of imaging (16.7% of cases). "One-day diagnosis" established an accurate diagnosis by the end of the day in 49 patient encounters (81.7%). Overall assessment of this organization was considered excellent by 46 (83%) of patients. CONCLUSION: An organizational innovation has made it possible to effectively diagnose hepatobiliary or pancreatic pathology within one day in the majority of cases, with good patient satisfaction. It is now necessary to evaluate the medico-economic aspect of this organization, and more generally to develop a methodology for multidimensional evaluation of organizational innovations.

Reliability and reproducibility of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma scaling for renal injury and impact on radiologic follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) Organ Injury Scale (OIS) is the most used classification for renal trauma. It determines the radiologic monitoring, only recommended for high-grade injuries. The aim of this study was to assess the subjectivity of AAST scaling and its impact on short-term follow-up. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with blunt renal injuries admitted at a university hospital between 2010 and 2015. Computed Tomography (CT) scan were analyzed and injuries graded according to AAST OIS independently by a senior radiologist, a senior urologist who was blind to clinical data and a resident urologist. Grading disagreements were analyzed collegially to obtain a final rating. The agreement of AAST scaling was evaluated through the Cohen's Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients had 101 renal injuries: low grade in 58.4% (11.9% grade I, 17.8% grade II, 28.7% grade III) and high grade in 41.6% of cases (23.6% grade IV and 17.8% grade V). The agreement was fair with Kappa coefficient at 0.36. The agreement was moderate in severity sub-division analysis (low or high grade): Kappa coefficient at 0.59. There was a disagreement in 49.5% between the senior urologist's and the senior radiologist's ratings. Those differences brought to a severity group change and radiologic follow-up modification in 34% (n=17). CONCLUSION: AAST OIS for renal trauma suffers from subjectivity but is improved by severity sub-group analysis. This subjectivity influences the radiologic follow-up but could be reduced by collegiate rating. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Vessel calibre and flow splitting relationships at the internal carotid artery terminal bifurcation.

OBJECTIVE: Vessel lumen calibres and flow rates are thought to be related by mathematical power laws, reflecting the optimization of cardiac versus metabolic work. While these laws have been confirmed indirectly via measurement of branch calibres, there is little data confirming power law relationships of flow distribution to branch calibres at individual bifurcations. APPROACH: Flow rates and diameters of parent and daughter vessels of the internal carotid artery terminal bifurcation were determined, via robust and automated methods, from 4D phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging and 3D rotational angiography of 31 patients. MAIN RESULTS: Junction exponents were 2.06 ± 0.44 for relating parent to daughter branch diameters (geometrical exponent), and 2.45 ± 0.75 for relating daughter branch diameters to their flow division (flow split exponent). These exponents were not significantly different, but showed large inter- and intra-individual variations, and with confidence intervals excluding the theoretical optimum of 3. Power law fits of flow split versus diameter ratio and pooled flow rates versus diameters showed exponents of 2.17 and 1.96, respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between age and the geometrical exponent (r = -0.55, p = 0.003) but not the flow split exponent. We also found a dependence of our results on how lumen diameter is measured, possibly explaining some of the variability in the literature. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study confirms that, on average, division of flow to the middle and anterior cerebral arteries is related to these vessels' relative calibres via a power law, but it is closer to a square law than a cube law as commonly assumed.

[Evaluation of the French practices in brachytherapy using surveys]. / Évaluation par questionnaire des pratiques de la curiethérapie de prostate en France.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer brachytherapy can be used as an alternative to the radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy. In the low-risk group, specific survivals are up to 95% after 10years. The aim of the study is to describe the practices in brachytherapy in France. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey made by AFU (French Urologic Association) and SFRO (French Society Of Oncological Radiotherapy) assessing the practices in brachytherapy in France was sent to all the urologists and radiotherapists even if they did not practice it. RESULTS: In total, 1417 surveys were sent, 285 were received coming from 211 urologists (74%) and 74 radiotherapists (26%). Sixty (21%) practiced brachytherapy (31 urologists, 29 radiotherapists). Low dose rate with permanent implants was used in 83,3%. Brachytherapy was advised for low-risk group by 90% who responded the survey, 73% used it in intermediate risk and only 13% in high risk. CONCLUSION: Brachytherapy is hardly used in low risk prostate cancer. It probably needs a reconsideration of recommendations due to the good results in association with a good picking. The urologist-radiotherapist couple is essential in the overall care of the patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Spinal cord ischemia: practical imaging tips, pearls, and pitfalls.

Ischemia of the spinal cord is a rare entity with a poor prognosis. Brain ischemia is no longer a diagnostic challenge; on the contrary, ischemia of the spinal cord remains difficult, particularly in children. In this article, we illustrate the principal causes in children and adults, clinical presentation, different techniques for the diagnosis by MR imaging (diffusion, spinal MR angiography, and 1.5 versus 3T), pathophysiology, and differential diagnosis. We will discuss current knowledge, perspectives, and pitfalls.

Superhydrophobicity and liquid repellency of solutions on polypropylene.

The sliding of drops of aqueous solutions of organic liquids over a superhydrophobic polypropylene (SH-PP) surface has been studied experimentally. The multi-scale roughness of this surface is intrinsically inhomogeneous. Careful analysis of the wettability of each solution enables us to establish the statistics of the advancing and receding contact angles. We consider a threshold value of the receding static contact angle, above which drop sliding and rebound are facilitated as the criterion for superhydrophobicity. The percentage of receding contact angles greater than this threshold is then used as a practical index of superhydrophobicity (SHI). The variation of the SHI is compared with surface tension of the solution and various wetting parameters. A linear correlation is found between the SHI and the work of wetting defined by γ(LG)cosθ(0) where γ(LG) is the surface tension of the solution and θ(0) is the static contact angle of the solution over the corresponding smooth surface. Such a correlation can be used as a predictive tool of the superhydrophobicity of a given surface with various liquids.

Improved dynamic response assessment for intra-articular injected iron oxide nanoparticles.

The emerging importance of nanoparticle technology, including iron oxide nanoparticles for monitoring development, progression, and treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, drives development of imaging techniques. Studies require an imaging protocol that is sensitive and quantifiable for the detection of iron oxide over a wide range of concentrations. Conventional signal loss measurements of iron oxide nanoparticle containing tissues saturate at medium concentrations and show a nonlinear/nonproportional intensity to concentration profile due to the competing effects of T1 and T2 relaxation. A concentration calibration phantom and an in vivo study of intra-articular injection in a rat knee of known concentrations of iron oxide were assessed using the difference-ultrashort echo time sequence giving a positive, quantifiable, unambiguous iron signal and monotonic, increasing concentration response over a wide concentration range in the phantom with limited susceptibility artifacts and high contrast in vivo to all other tissues. This improved dynamic response to concentration opens possibilities for quantification due to its linear nature at physiologically relevant concentrations.

The role of imaging and molecular imaging in the early detection of metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions.

Despite intense effort, obesity is still rising throughout the world. Links between obesity and cardiovascular diseases are now well established. Most of the cardiovascular changes related to obesity can be followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In particular, we will see in this review that MRI/MRS is extremely well suited to depict (1) changes in cardiac mass and function, (2) changes in stroke volume, (3) accumulation of fat inside the mediastinum or even inside the cardiomyocytes, (4) cell viability and (5) molecular changes during early cardiovascular diseases.