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Lipidomics and Transcriptomics in Neurological Diseases
Published on: March 18, 2022
Post-Mortem MRI and Histopathology in Neurologic Disease: A Translational Approach
Laura E Jonkman1, Boyd Kenkhuis2,3, Jeroen J G Geurts4
1Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. le.jonkman@vumc.nl.
Abstract:
In this review, combined post-mortem brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology studies are highlighted, illustrating the relevance of translational approaches to define novel MRI signatures of neuropathological lesions in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Initial studies combining post-mortem MRI and histology have validated various MRI sequences, assessing their sensitivity and specificity as diagnostic biomarkers in neurologic disease. More recent studies have focused on defining new radiological (bio)markers and implementing them in the clinical (research) setting. By combining neurological and neuroanatomical expertise with radiological development and pathological validation, a cycle emerges that allows for the discovery of novel MRI biomarkers to be implemented in vivo. Examples of this cycle are presented for multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury. Some applications have been shown to be successful, while others require further validation. In conclusion, there is much to explore with post-mortem MRI and histology studies, which can eventually be of high relevance for clinical practice.
Insights
Post-mortem brain MRI and histology studies are crucial for discovering new imaging biomarkers for neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. This translational approach validates MRI sequences for diagnosing neurological conditions in living patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuropathology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders present diagnostic challenges.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows promise for identifying neuropathological lesions.
- Translational research is key to developing effective diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of combined post-mortem brain MRI and histology in identifying novel MRI biomarkers.
- To highlight the validation of MRI sequences for neurological disease diagnosis.
- To discuss the implementation of these biomarkers in clinical research.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies combining post-mortem MRI and histology.
- Validation of MRI sequences for sensitivity and specificity.
- Integration of neurological, neuroanatomical, radiological, and pathological expertise.
Main Results:
- Established MRI signatures for neuropathological lesions in various disorders.
- Demonstrated the potential of MRI as a diagnostic biomarker.
- Presented examples for multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury.
Conclusions:
- Post-mortem MRI and histology facilitate the discovery of in vivo MRI biomarkers.
- Successful applications exist, with others needing further validation.
- This research holds significant potential for future clinical practice.
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