Surface-based Cortical Morphometry, White Matter Hyperintensity, and Multidomain Cognitive Performance in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Vascular Neurology
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Carotid stenosis is a primary cause of vascular dementia.
• Even asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) is associated with cognitive decline and neuroimaging abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cortical morphometry, white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and cognitive function in unilateral severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis (SACS).

Main Methods:

• Structural MRI was used to assess cortical thickness, sulcal depth, gyrification, cortical complexity, and WMH loads.
• 24 SACS patients and 24 matched controls were included.

Main Results:

• SACS patients showed thinner cortex, shallower sulci, altered gyrification, and reduced complexity, predominantly in left-hemisphere language and somatosensory/motor areas.
• Cortical alterations correlated significantly with verbal memory deficits and WMH burden.
• A left-dominated pattern of brain damage was observed, especially in Perisylvian cortices.

Conclusions:

• SACS is associated with significant cortical anatomical changes and cognitive impairment, particularly affecting verbal memory.
• These findings suggest a neuroanatomical predisposition to dementia and cerebrovascular events in SACS patients.