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Published on: September 25, 2019
Structural MRI markers of brain aging early after ischemic stroke
Emilio Werden1, Toby Cumming1, Qi Li1
1From the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (E.W., T.C., Q.L., L.B., M.V., H.R.P., G.J., G.A.D., A.B.), University of Melbourne; Austin Health (G.J., A.B.), Heidelberg; and Eastern Clinical Research Unit (A.B.), Monash University, Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Vascular risk factors may compromise brain structure before ischemic stroke. Smaller hippocampal and total brain volumes and increased white matter hyperintensity (WMH) load are indicators of vascular brain injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability.
- Brain aging markers may predict stroke risk and outcomes.
- Vascular risk factors are implicated in cerebrovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ischemic stroke, vascular risk factors, and MRI-defined brain aging.
- To identify specific MRI markers associated with first-ever and recurrent ischemic stroke.
- To explore the influence of vascular risk factors on brain structure in stroke patients.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-one ischemic stroke patients and 40 age-matched controls underwent 3T MRI.
- MRI markers included cortical thickness, total brain volume, white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, and hippocampal volume.
- Multivariate regression analyses assessed associations between stroke status, MRI markers, and vascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- First-ever stroke patients showed smaller hippocampal volume and greater WMH volume compared to controls.
- Recurrent stroke patients had significantly smaller hippocampal volumes than both first-ever stroke patients and controls.
- Total brain volume was associated with atrial fibrillation, and WMH volume was greater in first-ever stroke patients.
Conclusions:
- Brain structure alterations, including reduced hippocampal and total brain volumes and increased WMH, may precede ischemic stroke.
- These MRI findings serve as indicators of underlying vascular brain injury.
- Vascular risk factors likely play a crucial role in compromising brain structure prior to stroke events.
