Why early preventive check-ups matter: unmasking subclinical abnormalities in adults aged 18–45 via systemic ultrasound phenotyping (The LUMINA Score)

Abstract

Aim:To evaluate systemic multi-organ ultrasound phenotyping using VScan AirTM CL for detecting subclinical abnormalities in healthy adults aged 18–45 years and develop an integrated scoring system (LUMINA System) for early risk strati&cation. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study (2010–2025) enrolled 188 clinically healthy adults with normal biochemical markers, strati&ed into three age groups (18–26, 27–35, 36–45 years). Standardized ultrasound assessments of liver, kidneys, carotid arteries, heart, and thyroid were performed. The LUMINA System (score range: 0–29) integrated &ndings across organ systems. Results: Subclinical abnormalities were detected in 79.8% of participants despite normal laboratory values. Early liver steatosis occurred in 20.7%, correlating with higher BMI, triglycerides, and HOMA-IR. Increased renal echogenicity was found in 28–35% despite preserved kidney function. Carotid intima-media thickness exceeded the 75th percentile in 22.6%, with progressive vascular sti'ness. Thyroid abnormalities appeared in 47.35%, suggesting autoimmune activation. Mean LUMINA scores increased from 0.44±0.31 (18–26 years) to 12.12±3.68 (27–35 years), strongly correlating with BMI (r=0.68), waist circum-ference (r=0.71), and HOMA-IR (r=0.54). Conclusions: Systemic ultrasound phenotyping enables early detection of multi-organ abnormalities in young adults with normal laboratory pro&les. The LUMINA System provides uni&ed preclinical risk strati&cation, revealing that metabolic, vascular, and endocrine remodeling coexist years before disease onset, enhancing preventive medicine through personalized intervention.