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Macrostructural brain changes in patients with longstanding type 1 diabetes mellitus - a cortical thickness analysis
J B Frøkjær1, C Brock, E Søfteland
1Mech-Sense, Department of Radiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. jf@mech-sense.com
Summary
Longstanding type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is linked to reduced cortical thickness in sensory brain areas, even without overall brain volume changes. This thinning correlates with peripheral neuropathy, suggesting subtle neurological impacts.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
Background:
- Longstanding diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with central nervous system complications.
- Understanding brain structural changes in DM is crucial for managing neurological risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate regional brain volume and cortical thickness in type 1 DM patients.
- To correlate brain findings with clinical data like diabetes duration and neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- 15 patients with longstanding type 1 DM and 20 controls underwent 3T MRI.
- Automated surface-based cortical segmentation assessed grey/white matter volumes and cortical thickness.
- Morphological changes and white matter lesions were evaluated.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in white matter lesions, grey/white matter volumes, or overall cortical thickness were found.
- Patients showed reduced cortical thickness in the postcentral and superior parietal gyri.
- Reduced right postcentral gyrus thickness was associated with peripheral neuropathy.
Conclusions:
- Longstanding type 1 DM can cause cortical thinning in sensory-related brain areas.
- These subtle changes may have functional significance, particularly concerning peripheral neuropathy.
- The absence of widespread macrostructural changes suggests early, subtle microstructural alterations may precede significant brain pathology.
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