Dynamic fluctuations in brain iron content during migraine attacks: insights from relaxometry and diffusion tensor...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Iron Metabolism
• Migraine Pathophysiology

Background:

• Iron metabolism is implicated in migraine pathophysiology.
• Previous MRI studies show increased iron in brain structures of migraineurs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate short-term changes in brain iron levels during a migraine attack.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative MRI, including R2* relaxometry and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI).
• A 3T scanner with a multi-echo GRE sequence was used.
• Data acquired daily for 21 days from one episodic migraine with aura patient.

Main Results:

• Significant hemispheric differences in R2* values were observed during a migraine attack.
• The left hemisphere showed increased R2* (1.8% in white matter), while the right hemisphere showed decreased R2* (-17% anisotropy in white matter).

Conclusions:

• Brain iron content fluctuates during the migraine cycle.
• Migraine attacks are associated with increased white matter iron and decreased anisotropic tissue components, suggesting vascular involvement.