Objective   To determine whether metabolic syndrome (MS) is correlated with silent cerebral infarction (SCI).    Methods   A cross-sectional study of 959 health-screening subjects (693 men and 266 women

at a mean age of 49.8±9.1) who underwent a physical examination in our department from May 2006 to March 2010 was carried out. These individuals were then divided into MS group and non-MS group according to the modified criterion established by the Chinese Medical Association of Diabetes. Prevalence of SCI

was evaluated by the results of MIR scanning. Two groups were compared and the correlation between MS and SCI were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.    Results   The prevalence of SCI was much higher in MS group than in non-MS group (41.1% vs 27.5%

P0.01). Univariate analyses revealed that significant correlation was found between MS and SCI (Chi square=19.6

P0.01). Multivariate logistic analyses revealed that MS was significantly associated with SCI (OR=1.73

95%CI: 1.24-2.41

P=0.001 2). The components model of MS showed a strong significance between hypertension (OR=1.40

95%CI: 1.05-1.88

P=0.023 0) and diabetes mellitus (OR=1.75

95%CI: 1.23-2.48

P=0.001 9) and the risk of SCI.    Conclusion   There is a close correlation between MS and SCI. MS is an independent risk factor of SCI.