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Updated: Jul 31, 2025
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High-resolution Confocal Imaging of the Blood-brain Barrier: Imaging, 3D Reconstruction, and Quantification of Transcytosis
Published on: November 16, 2017
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Imaging blood-brain barrier dysfunction: A state-of-the-art review from a clinical perspective
Paulien Moyaert1,2,3, Beatriz E Padrela4,5, Catherine A Morgan6,7
1Department of Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
|May 4, 2023
Summary
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) imaging shows promise as an early biomarker for neurological diseases. Further development of accessible, low-cost techniques is crucial for widespread clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Biomarkers
Background:
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain by regulating molecular transport.
- BBB dysfunction is implicated in neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, and neurological diseases.
- BBB integrity is a potential early diagnostic and prognostic indicator for neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical utility of blood-brain barrier imaging.
- To identify neurological diseases where BBB imaging is beneficial.
- To explore current BBB imaging methods and their potential in diverse settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on blood-brain barrier imaging in humans.
- Analysis of current imaging techniques for BBB integrity assessment.
- Evaluation of the applicability of BBB imaging in resource-limited environments.
Main Results:
- BBB imaging holds potential as an early biomarker across various neurological diseases.
- Multiple imaging modalities exist for assessing BBB integrity.
- Challenges remain in standardizing and implementing cost-effective BBB imaging techniques.
Conclusions:
- Blood-brain barrier imaging is a promising field for diagnosing and monitoring neurological disorders.
- Accessible, low-cost, and non-contrast BBB imaging techniques require further development and validation.
- Standardized BBB imaging is essential for its clinical adoption in both well-resourced and resource-limited settings.
