Rationalization of Using the MR Diffusion Imaging in B12 Deficiency

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Conventional brain MRI often shows no changes in vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Microstructural alterations may be present even in advanced stages of B12 deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate brain microstructural changes using diffusion imaging in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.
• To identify specific brain regions affected by B12 deficiency.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of diffusion-weighted MRI scans from 2014-2016.
• Inclusion of patients with biochemical evidence of B12 deficiency.
• Age- and sex-matched controls with normal B12 levels were selected, excluding those with abnormal conventional MRI findings.

Main Results:

• 37 patients with B12 deficiency and 34 controls were included.
• Significantly higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were observed in the amygdala, hypothalamus, striate cortex, suprafrontal gyrus, and medulla oblongata-olivary nucleus in the B12 deficiency group.
• ADC values in other brain regions like the hippocampus and thalamus were similar between groups.

Conclusions:

• Diffusion imaging reveals significant microstructural changes in multiple brain regions in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Increased ADC values indicate alterations in brain tissue properties associated with B12 deficiency.