Correlation study between the microstructural abnormalities of medial prefrontal cortex and white matter

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Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
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Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging

Published on: November 8, 2012

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Dongtao Liu1, Xiangke Ma2, Xinhui Li1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Psychiatry Research. Neuroimaging
|February 2, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) reveals microstructural changes in the medial prefrontal cortex (m-PFC) of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These changes correlate with cognitive function, suggesting DKI

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Radiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with cognitive decline.
  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a prodromal stage of dementia.
  • Medial prefrontal cortex (m-PFC) integrity is crucial for cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between m-PFC microstructural changes and WMHs in MCI patients.
  • To evaluate the utility of Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI) in assessing cognitive impairment in WMH patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 68 patients (47 with WMHs, 21 controls).
  • WMH patients categorized into MCI (n=30) and non-MCI (n=17) groups.
  • DKI parameters (AK, MK, RK, FA, KFA) measured in m-PFC ROIs and correlated with MoCA scores.

Main Results:

  • WMH patients with MCI showed significantly lower DKI parameters (AK, MK, RK, FA) in the m-PFC compared to controls.
  • WMH patients with MCI exhibited reduced AK, FA, and KFA compared to WMH patients without MCI.
  • Axial kurtosis (AK) positively correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores.

Conclusions:

  • WMHs are linked to MCI, indicating potential cognitive impairment.
  • DKI is a valuable tool for evaluating cognitive function in WMH patients with MCI.
Keywords:
Cerebral small vascular diseaseDiffusion kurtosis imagingMedial prefrontal cortexMild cognitive impairmentWhite matter hyperintensities

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