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Distinct cerebral cortical perfusion patterns in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus
Kyunghun Kang1, Shin Young Jeong2, Ki-Su Park3
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
Human Brain Mapping
|September 14, 2022
Summary
Idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) patients show altered cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cortical thickness. Hyperperfusion in INPH correlates with cortical thickening, suggesting unique disease mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Cerebrovascular Medicine
Background:
- Idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is a neurological disorder characterized by gait disturbance, cognitive decline, and urinary dysfunction.
- Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cortical thickness alterations are implicated in INPH pathophysiology, but their precise relationship remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cerebral blood flow (CBF) abnormalities in INPH patients.
- To investigate the relationship between CBF and cortical thickness in INPH.
- To explore distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms in INPH.
Main Methods:
- Surface-based early-phase 18F-florbetaben (E-FBB) PET analysis was used to assess cortical CBF in 39 INPH patients and 20 healthy controls.
- MRI-based automated surface-based cortical thickness analysis was performed on all participants.
- A subgroup also underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging for metabolic correlation.
Main Results:
- INPH patients exhibited significant hyperperfusion in frontal and parietal cortical regions compared to controls.
- Increased perfusion in INPH correlated with cortical thickening in these hyperperfused areas.
- Hypoperfusion was observed in ventrolateral frontal, supramarginal, and temporal regions, but without associated cortical thinning.
Conclusions:
- Distinct regional relationships between cerebral cortical perfusion and thickness exist in INPH patients.
- Findings suggest separate pathophysiologic mechanisms underlie hyperperfusion and hypoperfusion in INPH.
- Altered CBF patterns and their association with cortical morphology offer insights into INPH.
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