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Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images
Published on: November 20, 2015
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Microinfarcts in the Deep Gray Matter on 7T MRI: Risk Factors, MRI Correlates, and Relation to Cognitive
R Ghaznawi1,2, M H T Zwartbol1, J de Bresser3
1Form the Department of Radiology (R.G., M.H.T.Z., J.H.), University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|May 26, 2022
Summary
Deep gray matter microinfarcts, identified using 7T MRI, are linked to cognitive decline and vascular risk factors. These findings highlight deep gray matter microinfarcts as a potential marker for vascular brain injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Cortical microinfarcts are clinically relevant, but deep gray matter microinfarcts remain understudied.
- Investigating deep gray matter microinfarcts is crucial for understanding their role in brain health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine risk factors associated with deep gray matter microinfarcts.
- To identify MR imaging correlates of deep gray matter microinfarcts using 7T MRI.
- To explore the relationship between deep gray matter microinfarcts and cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- The Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease-Magnetic Resonance (SMART-MR) study included 213 patients with risk assessment, 1.5T and 7T brain MRI, and cognitive testing.
- Microinfarcts (<5 mm lesions) were identified on 7T MRI.
- Regression models analyzed associations between risk factors, imaging markers, and microinfarcts; cognitive function was assessed using z scores.
Main Results:
- 47 microinfarcts were found in 28 patients (13%), predominantly in the thalamus.
- Older age, stroke history, hypertension, and intima-media thickness correlated with microinfarcts.
- Deep gray matter microinfarcts were associated with poorer global cognitive functioning and all cognitive domains.
Conclusions:
- Deep gray matter microinfarcts on 7T MRI are linked to adverse cognitive outcomes.
- These microinfarcts correlate with risk factors and imaging markers of small- and large-vessel disease.
- Deep gray matter microinfarcts may serve as a novel imaging biomarker for vascular brain injury.
