Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
Author Spotlight: Noninvasive Cerebral Blood Flow Determination in Human Functional Brain Region for Diagnosis of Neurological Disorders
Published on: May 31, 2024
Mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies: blood perfusion with arterial spin labelling
Michael J Firbank1, John T O'Brien2, Rory Durcan3
1Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK. michael.firbank@ncl.ac.uk.
Objective:
To use arterial spin labelling to investigate differences in perfusion in mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) compared to Alzheimer type MCI (MCI-AD) and healthy controls.
Methods:
We obtained perfusion images on 32 MCI-LB, 30 MCI-AD and 28 healthy subjects of similar age. Perfusion relative to cerebellum was calculated, and we aimed to examine differences in relative perfusion between MCI-LB and the other groups. This included whole brain voxelwise comparisons, as well as using predefined region-of-interest ratios of medial occipital to medial temporal, and posterior cingulate to precuneus. Differences in occipital perfusion in eyes open vs eyes closed conditions were also examined.
Results:
Compared to controls, the MCI-LB showed reduced perfusion in the precuneus, parietal, occipital and fusiform gyrus regions. In our predefined regions, the ratio of perfusion in occipital/medial temporal was significantly lower, and the posterior cingulate/precuneus ratio was significantly higher in MCI-LB compared to controls. Overall, the occipital perfusion was greater in the eyes open vs closed condition, but this did not differ between groups.
Conclusion:
We found patterns of altered perfusion in MCI-LB which are similar to those seen in dementia with Lewy bodies, with reduction in posterior parietal and occipital regions, but relatively preserved posterior cingulate.
Insights
Mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) shows distinct perfusion differences compared to Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) encompasses various subtypes, including MCI with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) and MCI of the Alzheimer's type (MCI-AD).
- Distinguishing between these subtypes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Cerebral perfusion imaging offers a potential method for identifying distinct pathological patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in cerebral perfusion between individuals with MCI-LB, MCI-AD, and healthy controls using arterial spin labelling (ASL).
- To identify specific perfusion patterns associated with MCI-LB.
Main Methods:
- Arterial spin labelling (ASL) perfusion imaging was performed on 32 MCI-LB, 30 MCI-AD, and 28 healthy control subjects.
- Relative perfusion was calculated with respect to the cerebellum.
- Voxelwise comparisons and region-of-interest analyses (occipital/medial temporal, posterior cingulate/precuneus) were conducted.
Main Results:
- MCI-LB subjects exhibited reduced perfusion in posterior parietal and occipital regions compared to controls.
- The occipital to medial temporal perfusion ratio was significantly lower in MCI-LB.
- The posterior cingulate to precuneus perfusion ratio was significantly higher in MCI-LB.
Conclusions:
- MCI-LB demonstrates unique patterns of altered cerebral perfusion.
- These perfusion alterations in MCI-LB resemble those observed in dementia with Lewy bodies.
- ASL imaging may aid in differentiating MCI subtypes based on perfusion deficits.
