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Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images
Published on: November 20, 2015
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Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images
Susanne J van Veluw1, Geert Jan Biessels2, Peter R Luijten3
1Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht; S.J.Veluw-2@umcutrecht.nl.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|December 10, 2015
Summary
Cortical microinfarcts, linked to dementia, are now visible on 7T and 3T MRI scans. This study offers guidelines for assessing these microinfarcts as a potential biomarker for cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuropathology
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Cerebral microinfarcts are common in post-mortem brains and associated with cognitive decline.
- Their small size poses challenges for detection using standard clinical MRI.
- High-field (7T) MRI has shown promise in visualizing cortical microinfarcts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an ex vivo imaging protocol for validating MR-observed microinfarcts with histology.
- To provide guidelines for assessing cortical microinfarcts on in vivo 7T and 3T MRI.
- To facilitate further research into the clinical relevance of microinfarcts in cognitive decline and dementia.
Main Methods:
- Ex vivo imaging of post-mortem human brain tissue.
- Histopathological verification of microinfarcts.
- Development of assessment guidelines for in vivo 7T and 3T MRI.
Main Results:
- Cortical microinfarcts are visible on both 7T and 3T MRI.
- Ex vivo imaging and histology confirm MR findings.
- Guidelines for in vivo assessment were established.
Conclusions:
- MRI, particularly at 7T and 3T, can depict cortical microinfarcts.
- The developed protocol and guidelines enable validation and assessment of these lesions.
- Cortical microinfarcts may serve as a novel biomarker for cerebral small vessel disease and cognitive decline.
