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Wright AM, Wu YC, Feng L, Wen Q. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics: Current techniques and future advancements. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 37:e5162. [PMID: 38715420 PMCID: PMC11303114 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a critical role in metabolic waste clearance from the brain, requiring its circulation throughout various brain pathways, including the ventricular system, subarachnoid spaces, para-arterial spaces, interstitial spaces, and para-venous spaces. The complexity of CSF circulation has posed a challenge in obtaining noninvasive measurements of CSF dynamics. The assessment of CSF dynamics throughout its various circulatory pathways is possible using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with optimized sensitivity to incoherent water movement across the brain. This review presents an overview of both established and emerging diffusion MRI techniques designed to measure CSF dynamics and their potential clinical applications. The discussion offers insights into the optimization of diffusion MRI acquisition parameters to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of diffusion metrics on underlying CSF dynamics. Lastly, we emphasize the importance of cautious interpretations of diffusion-based imaging, especially when differentiating between tissue- and fluid-related changes or elucidating structural versus functional alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M. Wright
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Department, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Yu-Chien Wu
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Department, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University
School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Li Feng
- Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research
(CAI2R), New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York,
USA
| | - Qiuting Wen
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Department, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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2
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Lin S, Guo M, Liang Q, Lin X, Chen S, Li Y, Chen P, Qiu Y. Evaluation of Glymphatic System Development in Neonatal Brain via Diffusion Analysis along the Perivascular Space Index. Ann Neurol 2024. [PMID: 39096048 DOI: 10.1002/ana.27047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glymphatic system is a recently discovered macroscopic waste clearance system associated with numerous neurological diseases. However, little is known about glymphatic system development in neonates. We sought to evaluate diffusion along the perivascular space (ALPS) index, a proxy for glymphatic system function, in neonates and investigate its potential associations with maturation, sex, and preterm birth. METHODS Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in 418 neonates, including 92 preterm neonates (57 males) and 326 term neonates (175 males), from the Developing Human Connectome Project were used for evaluating ALPS index. Linear regression modeling was performed to assess group differences in the ALPS index according to preterm birth and sex. Pearson's and partial correlation analysis were performed to assess the association between the ALPS index and gestational age (GA) as well as postmenstrual age (PMA) at MRI. Moderation analysis was performed to assess the moderation effect of preterm birth on the relationship between the ALPS index and PMA. RESULTS Compared to term neonates, preterm neonates exhibited lower ALPS indices (p < 0.001). The ALPS index positively correlated with PMA (p = 0.004) and GA (p < 0.001). Preterm birth (p = 0.013) had a significant moderation effect on the relationship between the ALPS index and PMA. Sex had no significant direct effect (p = 0.639) or moderation effect (p = 0.333) on ALPS index. INTERPRETATION Glymphatic system development is a dynamic process in neonates, which can be moderated by preterm birth, the ALPS index could serve as a sensitive biomarker for monitoring this process. ANN NEUROL 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Lin
- Department of Radiology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meifen Guo
- Department of Radiology, the Affiliated TCM Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qunjun Liang
- Department of Radiology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoshan Lin
- Department of Radiology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengli Chen
- Department of Radiology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Radiology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peiqi Chen
- Department of Radiology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yingwei Qiu
- Department of Radiology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Chen Y, Hong H, Nazeri A, Markus HS, Luo X. Cerebrospinal fluid-based spatial statistics: towards quantitative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid pseudodiffusivity. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:59. [PMID: 39026214 PMCID: PMC11256588 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00559-z] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation is essential in removing metabolic wastes from the brain and is an integral component of the glymphatic system. Abnormal CSF circulation is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Low b-value magnetic resonance imaging quantifies the variance of CSF motion, or pseudodiffusivity. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between the spatial patterns of CSF pseudodiffusivity and cognition. METHODS We introduced a novel technique, CSF-based spatial statistics (CBSS), to automatically quantify CSF pseudodiffusivity in each sulcus, cistern and ventricle. Using cortical regions as landmarks, we segmented each CSF region. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 93 participants with varying degrees of cognitive impairment. RESULTS We identified two groups of CSF regions whose pseudodiffusivity profiles were correlated with each other: one group displaying higher pseudodiffusivity and near large arteries and the other group displaying lower pseudodiffusivity and away from the large arteries. The pseudodiffusivity in the third ventricle positively correlated with short-term memory (standardized slope of linear regression = 0.38, adjusted p < 0.001) and long-term memory (slope = 0.37, adjusted p = 0.005). Fine mapping along the ventricles revealed that the pseudodiffusivity in the region closest to the start of the third ventricle demonstrated the highest correlation with cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS CBSS enabled quantitative spatial analysis of CSF pseudodiffusivity and suggested the third ventricle pseudodiffusivity as a potential biomarker of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Chen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hui Hong
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Arash Nazeri
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hugh S Markus
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xiao Luo
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
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Shlobin NA, Staple BL, Sclafani M, Harter DH. The Glymphatic System and Subarachnoid Lymphatic-Like Membrane: Recent Developments in Cerebrospinal Fluid Research. World Neurosurg 2024; 190:147-156. [PMID: 39002777 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.07.062] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates throughout the ventricles, cranial and spinal subarachnoid spaces, and central spinal cord canal. CSF protects the central nervous system through mechanical cushioning, regulation of intracranial pressure, regulation of metabolic homeostasis, and provision of nutrients. Recently, investigators have characterized the glial-lymphatic (glymphatic) system, the analog of the lymphatic system in the central nervous system, and described a fourth meningeal layer; the subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane (SLYM)relevant to the CSF. METHODS A narrative review was conducted. RESULTS In this review, we summarize these advances. We describe the development of the original model, controversies, a revised model, and a new conceptual framework. We characterize the biological functions, influence of sleep-wake cycles, and effect of aging with relevance to the glymphatic system. We highlight the role of the glymphatic system in Alzheimer's disease, idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury. Next, we characterize the structure and role of the SLYM. Finally, we explore the relevance of the glymphatic system and SLYM to neurosurgery. CONCLUSIONS This manuscript will inform clinicians and scientists regarding preclinical and translational advances in the understanding of the structure, dynamics, and function of the CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Shlobin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Brandon L Staple
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - David H Harter
- Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone, New York, New York, USA
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Taoka T, Ito R, Nakamichi R, Nakane T, Kawai H, Naganawa S. Diffusion Tensor Image Analysis ALong the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS): Revisiting the Meaning and Significance of the Method. Magn Reson Med Sci 2024; 23:268-290. [PMID: 38569866 PMCID: PMC11234944 DOI: 10.2463/mrms.rev.2023-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
More than 5 years have passed since the Diffusion Tensor Image Analysis ALong the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS) method was proposed with the intention of evaluating the glymphatic system. This method is handy due to its noninvasiveness, provision of a simple index in a straightforward formula, and the possibility of retrospective analysis. Therefore, the ALPS method was adopted to evaluate the glymphatic system for many disorders in many studies. The purpose of this review is to look back and discuss the ALPS method at this moment.The ALPS-index was found to be an indicator of a number of conditions related to the glymphatic system. Thus, although this was expected in the original report, the results of the ALPS method are often interpreted as uniquely corresponding to the function of the glymphatic system. However, a number of subsequent studies have pointed out the problems on the data interpretation. As they rightly point out, a higher ALPS-index indicates predominant Brownian motion of water molecules in the radial direction at the lateral ventricular body level, no more and no less. Fortunately, the term "ALPS-index" has become common and is now known as a common term by many researchers. Therefore, the ALPS-index should simply be expressed as high or low, and whether it reflects a glymphatic system is better to be discussed carefully. In other words, when a decreased ALPS-index is observed, it should be expressed as "decreased ALPS-index" and not directly as "glymphatic dysfunction". Recently, various methods have been proposed to evaluate the glymphatic system. It has become clear that these methods also do not seem to reflect the entirety of the extremely complex glymphatic system. This means that it would be desirable to use various methods in combination to evaluate the glymphatic system in a comprehensive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Taoka
- Department of Innovative Biomedical Visualization (iBMV), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Rintaro Ito
- Department of Innovative Biomedical Visualization (iBMV), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Rei Nakamichi
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshiki Nakane
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kawai
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shinji Naganawa
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Li X, Lin Z, Liu C, Bai R, Wu D, Yang J. Glymphatic Imaging in Pediatrics. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:1523-1541. [PMID: 37819198 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29040] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The glymphatic system, which facilitates cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow through the brain parenchyma, is important for brain development and waste clearance. Advances in imaging techniques, particularly magnetic resonance imaging, have make it possible to evaluate glymphatic structures and functions in vivo. Recently, several studies have focused on the development and alterations of the glymphatic system in pediatric disorders. This review discusses the development of the glymphatic system, advances of imaging techniques and their applications in pediatric disorders. First, the results of the reviewed studies indicate that the development of the glymphatic system is a long-lasting process that continues into adulthood. Second, there is a need for improved glymphatic imaging techniques that are non-invasive and fast to improve suitability for pediatric applications, as some of existing methods use contrast injection and are susceptible to motion artifacts from long scanning times. Several novel techniques are potentially feasible for pediatric patients and may be used in the future. Third, the glymphatic dysfunction is associated with a large number of pediatric disorders, although only a few have recently been investigated. In conclusion, research on the pediatric glymphatic system remains an emerging field. The preliminary applications of glymphatic imaging techniques have provided unique insight into the pathological mechanism of pediatric diseases, but mainly limited in visualization of enlarged perivascular spaces and morphological measurements on CSF volumes. More in-depth studies on glymphatic functions are required to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying brain development and pediatric diseases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjun Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zixuan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Congcong Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ruiliang Bai
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Computational Imaging and Medical Intelligence, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Abstract
The brain is a complex organ, fundamentally changing across the day to perform basic functions like sleep, thought, and regulating whole-body physiology. This requires a complex symphony of nutrients, hormones, ions, neurotransmitters and more to be properly distributed across the brain to maintain homeostasis throughout 24 hours. These solutes are distributed both by the blood and by cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid contents are distinct from the general circulation because of regulation at brain barriers including the choroid plexus, glymphatic system, and blood-brain barrier. In this review, we discuss the overlapping circadian (≈24-hour) rhythms in brain fluid biology and at the brain barriers. Our goal is for the reader to gain both a fundamental understanding of brain barriers alongside an understanding of the interactions between these fluids and the circadian timing system. Ultimately, this review will provide new insight into how alterations in these finely tuned clocks may lead to pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velia S Vizcarra
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Ryann M Fame
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lauren M Hablitz
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
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Okar SV, Fagiani F, Absinta M, Reich DS. Imaging of brain barrier inflammation and brain fluid drainage in human neurological diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:31. [PMID: 38212566 PMCID: PMC10838199 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05073-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The intricate relationship between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases. Understanding the interactions among the immunopathological processes at the brain borders is essential for advancing our knowledge of disease mechanisms and developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In this review, we explore the emerging role of neuroimaging in providing valuable insights into brain barrier inflammation and brain fluid drainage in human neurological diseases. Neuroimaging techniques have enabled us not only to visualize and assess brain structures, but also to study the dynamics of the CNS in health and disease in vivo. By analyzing imaging findings, we can gain a deeper understanding of the immunopathology observed at the brain-immune interface barriers, which serve as critical gatekeepers that regulate immune cell trafficking, cytokine release, and clearance of waste products from the brain. This review explores the integration of neuroimaging data with immunopathological findings, providing valuable insights into brain barrier integrity and immune responses in neurological diseases. Such integration may lead to the development of novel diagnostic markers and targeted therapeutic approaches that can benefit patients with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhat V Okar
- Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Francesca Fagiani
- Translational Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Absinta
- Translational Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Daniel S Reich
- Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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