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Wiltgen T, Voon C, Van Leemput K, Wiestler B, Mühlau M. Intensity scaling of conventional brain magnetic resonance images avoiding cerebral reference regions: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298642. [PMID: 38483873 PMCID: PMC10939249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces image intensities that have an arbitrary scale, hampering quantification. Intensity scaling aims to overcome this shortfall. As neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders may affect all brain compartments, reference regions within the brain may be misleading. Here we summarize approaches for intensity scaling of conventional T1-weighted (w) and T2w brain MRI avoiding reference regions within the brain. METHODS Literature was searched in the databases of Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. We included only studies that avoided reference regions within the brain for intensity scaling and provided validating evidence, which we divided into four categories: 1) comparative variance reduction, 2) comparative correlation with clinical parameters, 3) relation to quantitative imaging, or 4) relation to histology. RESULTS Of the 3825 studies screened, 24 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Three studies used scaled T1w images, 2 scaled T2w images, and 21 T1w/T2w-ratio calculation (with double counts). A robust reduction in variance was reported. Twenty studies investigated the relation of scaled intensities to different types of quantitative imaging. Statistically significant correlations with clinical or demographic data were reported in 8 studies. Four studies reporting the relation to histology gave no clear picture of the main signal driver of conventional T1w and T2w MRI sequences. CONCLUSIONS T1w/T2w-ratio calculation was applied most often. Variance reduction and correlations with other measures suggest a biologically meaningful signal harmonization. However, there are open methodological questions and uncertainty on its biological underpinning. Validation evidence on other scaling methods is even sparser.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tun Wiltgen
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Cuici Voon
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Koen Van Leemput
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University Helsinki, Espoo, Finland
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Benedikt Wiestler
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mark Mühlau
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Colato E, Prados F, Stutters J, Bianchi A, Narayanan S, Arnold DL, Wheeler-Kingshott C, Barkhof F, Ciccarelli O, Chard DT, Eshaghi A. Networks of microstructural damage predict disability in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2023; 94:992-1003. [PMID: 37468305 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-330203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Network-based measures are emerging MRI markers in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to identify networks of white (WM) and grey matter (GM) damage that predict disability progression and cognitive worsening using data-driven methods. METHODS We analysed data from 1836 participants with different MS phenotypes (843 in a discovery cohort and 842 in a replication cohort). We calculated standardised T1-weighted/T2-weighted (sT1w/T2w) ratio maps in brain GM and WM, and applied spatial independent component analysis to identify networks of covarying microstructural damage. Clinical outcomes were Expanded Disability Status Scale worsening confirmed at 24 weeks (24-week confirmed disability progression (CDP)) and time to cognitive worsening assessed by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). We used Cox proportional hazard models to calculate predictive value of network measures. RESULTS We identified 8 WM and 7 GM sT1w/T2w networks (of regional covariation in sT1w/T2w measures) in both cohorts. Network loading represents the degree of covariation in regional T1/T2 ratio within a given network. The loading factor in the anterior corona radiata and temporo-parieto-frontal components were associated with higher risks of developing CDP both in the discovery (HR=0.85, p<0.05 and HR=0.83, p<0.05, respectively) and replication cohorts (HR=0.84, p<0.05 and HR=0.80, p<0.005, respectively). The decreasing or increasing loading factor in the arcuate fasciculus, corpus callosum, deep GM, cortico-cerebellar patterns and lesion load were associated with a higher risk of developing SDMT worsening both in the discovery (HR=0.82, p<0.01; HR=0.87, p<0.05; HR=0.75, p<0.001; HR=0.86, p<0.05 and HR=1.27, p<0.0001) and replication cohorts (HR=0.82, p<0.005; HR=0.73, p<0.0001; HR=0.80, p<0.005; HR=0.85, p<0.01 and HR=1.26, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS GM and WM networks of microstructural changes predict disability and cognitive worsening in MS. Our approach may be used to identify patients at greater risk of disability worsening and stratify cohorts in treatment trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Colato
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ferran Prados
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
- e-Health Center, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jonathan Stutters
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alessia Bianchi
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sridar Narayanan
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Douglas L Arnold
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Claudia Wheeler-Kingshott
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Brain Connectivity Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), London, UK
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), London, UK
| | - Declan T Chard
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), London, UK
| | - Arman Eshaghi
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
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Khan AF, Adewale Q, Lin SJ, Baumeister TR, Zeighami Y, Carbonell F, Palomero-Gallagher N, Iturria-Medina Y. Patient-specific models link neurotransmitter receptor mechanisms with motor and visuospatial axes of Parkinson's disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6009. [PMID: 37752107 PMCID: PMC10522603 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41677-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease involves multiple neurotransmitter systems beyond the classical dopaminergic circuit, but their influence on structural and functional alterations is not well understood. Here, we use patient-specific causal brain modeling to identify latent neurotransmitter receptor-mediated mechanisms contributing to Parkinson's disease progression. Combining the spatial distribution of 15 receptors from post-mortem autoradiography with 6 neuroimaging-derived pathological factors, we detect a diverse set of receptors influencing gray matter atrophy, functional activity dysregulation, microstructural degeneration, and dendrite and dopaminergic transporter loss. Inter-individual variability in receptor mechanisms correlates with symptom severity along two distinct axes, representing motor and psychomotor symptoms with large GABAergic and glutamatergic contributions, and cholinergically-dominant visuospatial, psychiatric and memory dysfunction. Our work demonstrates that receptor architecture helps explain multi-factorial brain re-organization, and suggests that distinct, co-existing receptor-mediated processes underlie Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Faraz Khan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics & Mental Health, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Quadri Adewale
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics & Mental Health, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sue-Jin Lin
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics & Mental Health, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tobias R Baumeister
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics & Mental Health, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yashar Zeighami
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Nicola Palomero-Gallagher
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Cécile and Oskar Vogt Institute of Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, and JARA - Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yasser Iturria-Medina
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics & Mental Health, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Kilpatrick LA, Zhang K, Dong TS, Gee GC, Beltran-Sanchez H, Wang M, Labus JS, Naliboff BD, Mayer EA, Gupta A. Mediation of the association between disadvantaged neighborhoods and cortical microstructure by body mass index. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2023; 3:122. [PMID: 37714947 PMCID: PMC10504354 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-023-00350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with worse health outcomes, including brain health, yet the underlying biological mechanisms are incompletely understood. We investigated the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and cortical microstructure, assessed as the T1-weighted/T2-weighted ratio (T1w/T2w) on magnetic resonance imaging, and the potential mediating roles of body mass index (BMI) and stress, as well as the relationship between trans-fatty acid intake and cortical microstructure. METHODS Participants comprised 92 adults (27 men; 65 women) who underwent neuroimaging and provided residential address information. Neighborhood disadvantage was assessed as the 2020 California State area deprivation index (ADI). The T1w/T2w ratio was calculated at four cortical ribbon levels (deep, lower-middle, upper-middle, and superficial). Perceived stress and BMI were assessed as potential mediating factors. Dietary data was collected in 81 participants. RESULTS Here, we show that worse ADI is positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.27, p = .01) and perceived stress (r = 0.22, p = .04); decreased T1w/T2w ratio in middle/deep cortex in supramarginal, temporal, and primary motor regions (p < .001); and increased T1w/T2w ratio in superficial cortex in medial prefrontal and cingulate regions (p < .001). Increased BMI partially mediates the relationship between worse ADI and observed T1w/T2w ratio increases (p = .02). Further, trans-fatty acid intake (high in fried fast foods and obesogenic) is correlated with these T1w/T2w ratio increases (p = .03). CONCLUSIONS Obesogenic aspects of neighborhood disadvantage, including poor dietary quality, may disrupt information processing flexibility in regions involved in reward, emotion regulation, and cognition. These data further suggest ramifications of living in a disadvantaged neighborhood on brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Kilpatrick
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Keying Zhang
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tien S Dong
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gilbert C Gee
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California Center for Population Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hiram Beltran-Sanchez
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California Center for Population Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - May Wang
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer S Labus
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bruce D Naliboff
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emeran A Mayer
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arpana Gupta
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Manning AR, Beck ES, Schindler MK, Nair G, Clark KA, Parvathaneni P, Reich DS, Shinohara RT, Solomon AJ. T 1 /T 2 ratio from 3T MRI improves multiple sclerosis cortical lesion contrast. J Neuroimaging 2023; 33:434-445. [PMID: 36715449 PMCID: PMC10175128 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cortical demyelinated lesions are prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS), associated with disability, and have recently been incorporated into MS diagnostic criteria. Presently, advanced and ultrahigh-field MRIs-not routinely available in clinical practice-are the most sensitive methods for detection of cortical lesions. Approaches utilizing MRI sequences obtainable in routine clinical practice remain an unmet need. We plan to assess the sensitivity of the ratio of T1 -weighted and T2 -weighted (T1 /T2 ) signal intensity for focal cortical lesions in comparison to other high-field imaging methods. METHODS 3-Tesla and 7-Tesla MRI collected from 10 adults with MS were included in the study. T1 /T2 images were calculated by dividing 3T T1 -weighted (T1 w) images by 3T T2 -weighted (T2 w) fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images for each participant. A total of 614 cortical lesions were identified using 7T T2 *w and T1 w images and corresponding voxels were assessed on registered 3T images. Signal intensities were compared across 3T imaging sequences, including T1 /T2 , T1 w, T2 w, and inversion recovery susceptibility-weighted imaging with enhanced T2 weighting (IR-SWIET) images. RESULTS T1 /T2 images demonstrated a larger contrast between median lesional and nonlesional cortical signal intensity (median ratio = 1.29, range: 1.19-1.38) when compared to T1 w (1.01, 0.97-1.10, p < .002), T2 w (1.17, 1.07-1.26, p < .002), and IR-SWIET (1.21, 1.01-1.29, p < .03). CONCLUSION T1 /T2 images are sensitive to cortical lesions. Approaches incorporating T1 /T2 could improve the accessibility of cortical lesion detection in research settings and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R Manning
- Penn Statistics in Imaging and Visualization Center, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Erin S Beck
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew K Schindler
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Govind Nair
- Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kelly A Clark
- Penn Statistics in Imaging and Visualization Center, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Prasanna Parvathaneni
- Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel S Reich
- Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Russell T Shinohara
- Penn Statistics in Imaging and Visualization Center, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew J Solomon
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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Wittayer M, Weber CE, Krämer J, Platten M, Schirmer L, Gass A, Eisele P. Exploring (peri-) lesional and structural connectivity tissue damage through T1/T2-weighted ratio in iron rim multiple sclerosis lesions. Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 95:12-18. [PMID: 36270415 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In multiple sclerosis (MS), iron rim lesions (IRLs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with pronounced intralesional tissue damage. The aim of this study was to investigate (peri-)lesional and structural connectivity tissue damage in IRLs compared to non-IRLs. MATERIAL AND METHODS MRI was acquired on a 3 T system. Tissue integrity was assessed using the T1/T2-weighted (T1/T2w) ratio. Furthermore, we assessed the impact on structural network connectivity accounting for differences in lesion volumes and T1/T2w values. RESULTS Seventy-six patients (38 with at least one IRL and 38 age- and sex-matched patients without IRLs) were included. In the IRL-group, T1/T2w ratios of IRLs were significantly lower compared to non-IRLs (p < 0.05). When comparing the T1/T2w ratios in non-IRLs between the IRL-group and non-IRL group, there was no significant difference (p = 0.887). We observed a centrifugal decrease in microstructural damage from lesions to the perilesional white matter. In the IRL-group, T1/T2w ratios in the perilesional white matter 3-8 mm distant to the lesion were significantly lower in IRLs compared to non-IRLs. We found no significant differences in the amount of network disruption between both lesion types (p = 0.122). CONCLUSION T1/T2w represents an interesting candidate to capture a pronounced intra- and perilesional tissue damage of IRLs. However, our preliminary results suggest that a pronounced tissue damage might not result in a higher disruption to structural connectivity networks in IRLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Wittayer
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1 - 3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Claudia E Weber
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1 - 3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Julia Krämer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1; Gebäude A1, Westturm, Ebene 5, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1 - 3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lucas Schirmer
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1 - 3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; Institute for Innate Immunoscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Achim Gass
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1 - 3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Philipp Eisele
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1 - 3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany.
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Fernandez-Alvarez M, Atienza M, Cantero JL. Effects of non-modifiable risk factors of Alzheimer's disease on intracortical myelin content. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:202. [PMID: 36587227 PMCID: PMC9805254 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01152-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-modifiable risk factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have lifelong effects on cortical integrity that could be mitigated if identified at early stages. However, it remains unknown whether cortical microstructure is affected in older individuals with non-modifiable AD risk factors and whether altered cortical tissue integrity produces abnormalities in brain functional networks in this AD-risk population. METHODS Using relative T1w/T2w (rT1w/T2w) ratio maps, we have compared tissue integrity of normal-appearing cortical GM between controls and cognitively normal older adults with either APOE4 (N = 50), with a first-degree family history (FH) of AD (N = 52), or with the co-occurrence of both AD risk factors (APOE4+FH) (N = 35). Additionally, individuals with only one risk factor (APOE4 or FH) were combined into one group (N = 102) and compared with controls. The same number of controls matched in age, sex, and years of education was employed for each of these comparisons. Group differences in resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) patterns were also investigated, using as FC seeds those cortical regions showing significant changes in rT1w/T2w ratios. RESULTS Overall, individuals with non-modifiable AD risk factors exhibited significant variations in rT1w/T2w ratios compared to controls, being APOE4 and APOE4+FH at opposite ends of a continuum. The co-occurrence of APOE4 and FH was further accompanied by altered patterns of rs-FC. CONCLUSIONS These findings may have practical implications for early detection of cortical abnormalities in older populations with APOE4 and/or FH of AD and open new avenues to monitor changes in cortical tissue integrity associated with non-modifiable AD risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Fernandez-Alvarez
- grid.15449.3d0000 0001 2200 2355Laboratory of Functional Neuroscience, Pablo de Olavide University, Ctra. de Utrera Km 1, 41013 Seville, Spain ,grid.418264.d0000 0004 1762 4012CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Atienza
- grid.15449.3d0000 0001 2200 2355Laboratory of Functional Neuroscience, Pablo de Olavide University, Ctra. de Utrera Km 1, 41013 Seville, Spain ,grid.418264.d0000 0004 1762 4012CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose L. Cantero
- grid.15449.3d0000 0001 2200 2355Laboratory of Functional Neuroscience, Pablo de Olavide University, Ctra. de Utrera Km 1, 41013 Seville, Spain ,grid.418264.d0000 0004 1762 4012CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Madrid, Spain
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Combes AJE, Clarke MA, O'Grady KP, Schilling KG, Smith SA. Advanced spinal cord MRI in multiple sclerosis: Current techniques and future directions. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 36:103244. [PMID: 36306717 PMCID: PMC9668663 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a central role in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical practice for diagnosis and disease monitoring. Advanced MRI sequences capable of visualizing and quantifying tissue macro- and microstructure and reflecting different pathological disease processes have been used in MS research; however, the spinal cord remains under-explored, partly due to technical obstacles inherent to imaging this structure. We propose that the study of the spinal cord merits equal ambition in overcoming technical challenges, and that there is much information to be exploited to make valuable contributions to our understanding of MS. We present a narrative review on the latest progress in advanced spinal cord MRI in MS, covering in the first part structural, functional, metabolic and vascular imaging methods. We focus on recent studies of MS and those making significant technical steps, noting the challenges that remain to be addressed and what stands to be gained from such advances. Throughout we also refer to other works that presend more in-depth review on specific themes. In the second part, we present several topics that, in our view, hold particular potential. The need for better imaging of gray matter is discussed. We stress the importance of developing imaging beyond the cervical spinal cord, and explore the use of ultra-high field MRI. Finally, some recommendations are given for future research, from study design to newer developments in analysis, and the need for harmonization of sequences and methods within the field. This review is aimed at researchers and clinicians with an interest in gaining an overview of the current state of advanced MRI research in this field and what is primed to be the future of spinal cord imaging in MS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J E Combes
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
| | - Margareta A Clarke
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States
| | - Kristin P O'Grady
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, PMB 351826, Nashville, TN 37235-1826, United States
| | - Kurt G Schilling
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Seth A Smith
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, PMB 351826, Nashville, TN 37235-1826, United States
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