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Updated: May 20, 2026
High-resolution In Vivo Manual Segmentation Protocol for Human Hippocampal Subfields Using 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: November 10, 2015
Automated hippocampal subfield segmentation in amnestic mild cognitive impairments
Hyun Kook Lim1, Seung Chul Hong, Won Sang Jung
1Department of Psychiatry, Saint Vincent Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Although a few automated hippocampal subfield segmentation methods have been developed, the effects of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) on the hippocampal subfield volumes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the hippocampal subfield volume changes and their relationships with various neuropsychological tests in aMCI using an automated hippocampal subfield segmentation technique. Forty-five subjects with aMCI and 49 group-matched healthy control subjects underwent 3-tesla MRI scanning, and hippocampal subfield volumes were measured and compared. Additionally, we explored the correlation pattern between hippocampal subfield volumes and the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-K) neuropsychological test scores in aMCI subjects. Subjects with aMCI exhibited significant hippocampal volume reductions in the presubiculum, subiculum and cornu ammonis 2-3 areas compared with healthy subjects. In addition, we also found significant positive correlations between presubiculum and subicular area volumes and the CERAD-K verbal and visuospatial delayed recall scores in aMCI. This study was the first to explore the relationships between hippocampal subfield volumes and various types of cognitive performances in aMCI. These structural changes might be at the core of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of hippocampal dysfunction in aMCI.
Insights
Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is linked to reduced hippocampal subfield volumes, particularly in the presubiculum and subiculum. These brain changes correlate with memory and cognitive test performance in aMCI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease.
- Understanding hippocampal subfield changes in aMCI is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
- Previous automated segmentation methods have limitations in clarifying aMCI's specific hippocampal effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hippocampal subfield volume alterations in individuals with aMCI using an automated segmentation technique.
- To explore the relationship between specific hippocampal subfield volumes and neuropsychological test performance in aMCI.
- To identify potential neurobiological correlates of cognitive deficits in aMCI.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for high-resolution brain scans.
- Employed an automated hippocampal subfield segmentation technique for precise volume measurements.
- Compared hippocampal subfield volumes between 45 aMCI subjects and 49 healthy controls.
- Correlated hippocampal volumes with scores from the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-K) neuropsychological battery.
Main Results:
- Significant hippocampal volume reductions were observed in aMCI subjects within the presubiculum, subiculum, and cornu ammonis 2-3.
- Positive correlations were found between presubiculum and subicular area volumes and CERAD-K verbal and visuospatial delayed recall scores in the aMCI group.
- This study provides novel insights into the specific hippocampal subfield vulnerabilities in aMCI.
Conclusions:
- aMCI is associated with distinct patterns of hippocampal subfield atrophy.
- These structural changes in specific hippocampal subfields are linked to impaired cognitive functions, particularly memory recall.
- The findings highlight the role of hippocampal subfield integrity in maintaining cognitive performance in the early stages of cognitive decline.
