Clinical magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of glymphatic function

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The glymphatic system, a brain waste removal pathway, is crucial for neurological health.
• Current glymphatic system evaluation often relies on rodent models due to challenges in human contrast agent delivery.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers potential for clinical glymphatic system assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical MRI techniques for evaluating glymphatic system function.
• To explore the potential of these MRI methods for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of neurological conditions.
• To highlight the current limitations and future directions for clinical glymphatic MRI research.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of existing and emerging MRI techniques applicable to glymphatic system assessment in humans.
• Review of studies investigating noninvasive MRI markers associated with glymphatic system alterations.
• Analysis of challenges in data acquisition, validation, and modeling for clinical translation.

Main Results:

• Promising noninvasive MRI markers for detecting glymphatic system changes in neurological diseases have been identified.
• Clinical MRI methods show potential for evaluating glymphatic function, moving beyond rodent studies.
• The field is still in its early stages, requiring further research and development.

Conclusions:

• Clinical MRI holds promise for assessing the glymphatic system, aiding in neurological disease management.
• Further optimization of MRI acquisition, validation, and modeling is essential for widespread clinical adoption.
• Advancements in glymphatic system MRI could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for brain disorders.