Association between Cognitive Impairment and Hippocampal Subfield Volumes in Multiple System Atrophy
Atsuhiko Sugiyama1, Hajime Yokota2, Shigeki Hirano1
1Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
Abstract:
This study aimed to explore morphological changes of hippocampal subfields in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) with and without cognitive impairment using FreeSurfer-automated segmentation of hippocampal subfield techniques and their relationship with cognitive function. We enrolled 75 patients with MSA classified as cognitively impaired MSA (MSA-CI, n = 40) and cognitively preserved MSA (MSA-CP, n = 35), as well as 68 healthy controls. All participants underwent three-dimensional volume T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The hippocampal subfield volume was measured using FreeSurfer version 7.2 and compared among groups. Regression analyses were performed between the hippocampal subfield volumes and cognitive variables. Compared with healthy controls, the volume of the right cornu ammonis (CA) 2/3 was significantly lower in the MSA-CI group (P=0.029) and that of the left fimbria was significantly higher in the MSA-CP group (P=0.046). Results of linear regression analysis showed that the right CA2/3 volume was significantly correlated with the Frontal Assessment Battery score in patients with MSA (adjusted R 2 = 0.282, β = 0.227, and P=0.041). The hippocampal subfield volume decreased in patients with MSA-CI, even at the early disease stages. Specific structural changes in the hippocampus might be associated with cognitive deficits in MSA.
Insights
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients with cognitive impairment show reduced right cornu ammonis (CA) 2/3 volume. These hippocampal changes correlate with cognitive function, suggesting structural alterations contribute to cognitive deficits in MSA.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurodegeneration
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Cognitive impairment is a common feature in MSA, affecting various domains.
- Understanding the underlying structural changes in the brain is crucial for managing MSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hippocampal subfield morphological changes in patients with MSA.
- To differentiate these changes between MSA with cognitive impairment (MSA-CI) and MSA with cognitive preservation (MSA-CP).
- To explore the relationship between hippocampal subfield volumes and cognitive function in MSA.
Main Methods:
- Utilized FreeSurfer-automated segmentation for hippocampal subfield volumetry.
- Analyzed 75 patients with MSA (40 MSA-CI, 35 MSA-CP) and 68 healthy controls.
- Performed regression analyses to correlate subfield volumes with cognitive scores.
Main Results:
- MSA-CI patients exhibited significantly lower right cornu ammonis (CA) 2/3 volume compared to controls.
- MSA-CP patients showed a significantly higher left fimbria volume than controls.
- Right CA2/3 volume positively correlated with Frontal Assessment Battery scores in MSA patients.
Conclusions:
- Hippocampal subfield volume reduction occurs in MSA-CI, even in early stages.
- Specific hippocampal structural alterations are linked to cognitive deficits in MSA.
- These findings highlight the hippocampus's role in MSA-related cognitive dysfunction.
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