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Characterizing brain iron deposition in subcortical ischemic vascular dementia using susceptibility-weighted imaging:
Chen Liu1, Chuanming Li2, Jun Yang2
1Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the brain iron accumulation in subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD) and its correlation with the severity of cognitive impairment. Thirty five patients with SIVD and 35 healthy controls underwent high-resolution susceptibility-weighted imaging. The phase shift value of the bilateral hippocampus (HP), caudate nucleus (CN), globus pallidus (GP), putamen (PU), thalamus (TH), red nucleus (RN), substantia nigra (SN), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), posterior cingulate (PCC), parietal cortex (PC) and frontal white matter (FWM) were examined and correlated with neuropsychological scores for SIVD patients. They exhibited significant increased phase shift values in the bilateral HP, CN, PU, right GP and left SN (P<0.05). Close correlations were found between the phase shift value of the left HP, right CN and neuropsychological scores. Our results suggest that brain iron deposition may be a biomarker of SIVD and play an important role in the pathophysiological mechanism.
Insights
Brain iron accumulation is increased in subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD). This iron deposition in areas like the hippocampus correlates with cognitive impairment severity, suggesting it may be a key biomarker for SIVD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD) is a significant cause of cognitive decline.
- Understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of SIVD is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Brain iron accumulation has been implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate brain iron deposition in patients with SIVD.
- To explore the correlation between brain iron accumulation and cognitive impairment severity in SIVD.
- To determine if brain iron can serve as a biomarker for SIVD.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) was used to assess brain iron.
- Phase shift values were measured in multiple brain regions, including the hippocampus, caudate nucleus, and substantia nigra.
- Neuropsychological scores were correlated with imaging findings in SIVD patients.
Main Results:
- Patients with SIVD showed significantly increased phase shift values in several brain regions, including the bilateral hippocampus, caudate nucleus, putamen, right globus pallidus, and left substantia nigra.
- A significant correlation was observed between the phase shift values of the left hippocampus and right caudate nucleus and the neuropsychological scores of SIVD patients.
- These findings indicate localized brain iron deposition in SIVD.
Conclusions:
- Brain iron deposition is a prominent feature in subcortical ischemic vascular dementia.
- Increased brain iron accumulation, particularly in the hippocampus and caudate nucleus, is associated with cognitive deficits in SIVD.
- Brain iron deposition may serve as a valuable biomarker for SIVD and plays a role in its pathophysiology.
