Donald Trump breaks silence on hospital visit and MRI scan after health fears
US President Donald Trump confirmed he had an MRI scan during a recent visit to a military hospital in new comments aboard Air Force One - but did not say what it was for
Donald Trump has responded to rumours about his health by revealing he had a 'perfect' MRI scan on a recent hospital visit.
The 79-year-old told reporters on Air Force One that he received the scan during a recent trip to Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland - but did not explain why. The military hospital has long been the location of choice for US presidents having medical evaluations and treatments.
Trump - who will become the oldest president in US history if he makes it to the end of his term - has been the subject of increasing speculation over recent months after observers noticed unusual recurring bruises on the back of his hand.
In July, the White House confirmed Trump was examined for swelling in his legs and has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.
Responding to a question about whether he had visited the hospital aboard Air Force One, he told reporters: "I did. I got an MRI. It was perfect.
"I gave you the full results. We had an MRI, and the machine, you know, the whole thing, and it was perfect."
Asked what the scan was for, he said: "You could ask the doctors. In fact, we have doctors traveling with us. But I think they gave you a very conclusive — nobody has ever given you reports like I gave you."
Trump went on to claim his doctors told him he has "some of the best reports, for the age, some of the best reports they've ever seen".
In a memo issued after Trump's checkup, the president's physician Capt Sean Barbarella said his cardiac age "was found to be approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age".
He said the President underwent "advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and preventive health assessments" and that "comprehensive laboratory studies performed in conjunction with the visit were exceptional, including stable metabolic, hematologic, and cardiac parameters".
Trump landed in Japan on Air Force One just before midday, and is due to meet new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi - the nation's first-ever female leader - during his two-day visit. He met Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace shortly after arriving in Tokyo, and shook hands with the 65-year-old in front of the cameras before calling him "a great man".
Japan welcomed Trump to the capital by lighting Tokyo landmarks in the red, white and blue colours of the US flag, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the Tokyo Tower and Sky Tree.