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Diffusion anisotropy changes in the brains of professional boxers
L Zhang1, L A Heier, R D Zimmerman
1Department of Radiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|October 13, 2006
Summary
Quantitative MR diffusion imaging reveals subtle brain changes in professional boxers. Increased whole brain diffusion and decreased fractional anisotropy in key brain regions may indicate early white matter injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Professional boxing is associated with a risk of brain injury.
- Early detection of white matter changes is crucial for understanding the long-term effects of boxing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of quantitative MR diffusion imaging in identifying early white matter changes in professional boxers.
- To compare diffusion imaging metrics between professional boxers and healthy control subjects.
Main Methods:
- Forty-nine professional boxers and 19 healthy controls underwent 1.5T MRI.
- Pixel-by-pixel analysis determined average diffusion (D(av)) and fractional anisotropy (FA).
- Regional diffusion measurements focused on the corpus callosum (CC) and internal capsule (IC).
Main Results:
- Despite normal conventional MRIs in most boxers, significant differences in diffusion and anisotropy were observed compared to controls.
- Boxers showed increased whole brain diffusion (BD(av)) and decreased FA in the CC and posterior limb of the IC.
- FA and D(av) showed an inverse correlation in the CC and IC of boxers.
Conclusions:
- Elevated BD(av) and reduced FA in the CC and IC may serve as preclinical indicators of subtle brain injury in professional boxers.
- Quantitative diffusion imaging shows promise for detecting subclinical neurological changes in athletes.
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