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Atherosclerotic risk is associated with cerebral perfusion - A cross-sectional study using arterial spin labeling MRI
Melanie Hafdi1, Henk Jmm Mutsaerts2, Jan Petr3
1Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Background:
Arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be a promising technique to evaluate the presence of cerebral atherosclerosis. We tested whether the new and easily calculated ASL MRI parameter for vascular and tissue signal distribution - 'spatial coefficient of variation' (ASL-sCoV) - is a better radiological marker for atherosclerotic risk than the more conventional markers of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and cerebral blood flow (ASL-CBF).
Methods:
Participants of the preDIVA trial (n = 195), aged 72-80 years with systolic hypertension (>140 mmHg) underwent two MRI scans two to three years apart. WMH volume was derived from 3D FLAIR-MRI; gray matter ASL-CBF and ASL-sCoV from ASL-MRI. Atherosclerotic risk was operationalized as 10-year cardiovascular risk by the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation Older Persons (SCORE O.P) and calculated at baseline and follow-up. Data were analyzed using linear regression.
Results:
ASL-CBF was associated with atherosclerotic risk scores at baseline (standardized-beta = -0.26, 95 %CI = -0.40 to -0.13, p < 0.001) but not at follow-up (standardized-beta = -0.14, 95 %CI = -0.33 to 0.04, p = 0.12). ASL-sCoV was associated with atherosclerotic risk scores at both time points (baseline standardized-beta = 0.23, 95 %CI = 0.10 to 0.36, p < 0.0001, follow-up standardized beta = 0.20, 95 %CI = 0.03 to 0.36, p = 0.02). WMH volume was not associated with atherosclerotic risk scores at either time-point. There were no longitudinal associations between changes in MRI parameters and baseline atherosclerotic risk scores.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that ASL-sCoV correlates better with atherosclerotic risk than the more conventional markers ASL-CBF and WMH volume. Our data reaffirm that non-invasive imaging with MRI is highly informative and could provide additional information about cerebrovascular damage.
Insights
Arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Cardiovascular Research
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral atherosclerosis assessment using Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) shows promise.
- Investigating novel ASL MRI parameters for improved atherosclerotic risk evaluation.
- Comparing ASL-sCoV against conventional markers like white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and ASL cerebral blood flow (ASL-CBF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the ASL MRI parameter 'spatial coefficient of variation' (ASL-sCoV) is a superior radiological marker for atherosclerotic risk.
- To compare ASL-sCoV's efficacy against WMH volume and ASL-CBF in older adults with hypertension.
Main Methods:
- 195 participants (72-80 years) from the preDIVA trial underwent two MRI scans.
- WMH volume derived from 3D FLAIR-MRI; ASL-CBF and ASL-sCoV from ASL-MRI.
- 10-year cardiovascular risk calculated using Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation Older Persons (SCORE O.P) at baseline and follow-up; analyzed with linear regression.
Main Results:
- ASL-sCoV associated with atherosclerotic risk at baseline and follow-up (p < 0.0001, p = 0.02).
- ASL-CBF associated with risk at baseline (p < 0.001) but not follow-up (p = 0.12).
- WMH volume showed no association with atherosclerotic risk scores.
Conclusions:
- ASL-sCoV demonstrates a stronger correlation with atherosclerotic risk compared to ASL-CBF and WMH volume.
- Non-invasive MRI imaging, particularly ASL-sCoV, provides valuable insights into cerebrovascular damage and atherosclerotic risk.
- Findings support ASL-sCoV as a potentially superior radiological marker for assessing atherosclerotic risk.
