The spine-brain axis: is spinal anatomy associated with brain volume?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Spinal Anatomy

Background:

• Spinal morphology disturbances may impair cerebrospinal fluid flow and lead to neurodegeneration.
• Previous studies were limited by small sample sizes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between cervical spinal canal width, scoliosis, and brain volumes in a large cohort.
• To determine if spinal characteristics are independent risk factors for neurodegeneration.

Main Methods:

• Whole-body 3 Tesla MRI was used for 383 participants.
• Brain volumes (grey matter, white matter, ventricular, white matter hyperintensity) were quantified using automated volumetric analysis.
• Cervical spinal canal width and scoliosis (Cobb angle) were measured manually.

Main Results:

• Smaller cervical spinal canal width correlated with lower grey matter, lower white matter, and higher ventricular volumes.
• Scoliosis was associated with lower grey matter, lower white matter, and larger ventricular volumes, though attenuated after adjustment.
• No association was found between spinal measures and white matter hyperintensity volume.

Conclusions:

• Reduced cervical spinal canal width and scoliosis are associated with decreased grey and white matter volumes and increased ventricular size.
• These spinal characteristics may represent independent risk factors for neurodegeneration.