Intracranial arterial calcification and cerebrovascular function in the general aging population - A 7T MRI Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Cerebrovascular Health
• Arteriosclerosis Research

Background:

• Intracranial arteriosclerosis mechanisms impacting cerebrovascular function are not fully understood.
• Investigating the link between intracranial arterial calcification and cerebral hemodynamics is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between intracranial arteriosclerosis and cerebrovascular function in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and small perforating arteries.
• To utilize 7T MRI for detailed assessment of cerebral blood flow and reactivity.

Main Methods:

• 195 participants from the Rotterdam Study underwent CT for intracranial carotid artery calcification (ICAC) and vertebral artery calcification (VAC) assessment.
• 7T brain MRI was used to measure MCA and small perforating artery blood flow velocity, pulsatility, and whole-brain cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR).
• Linear regression and mixed models analyzed the relationship between arteriosclerosis markers and vessel function.

Main Results:

• Intracranial arteriosclerosis (ICAC and VAC) was associated with increased pulsatility in the MCA.
• No significant association was found between intracranial arteriosclerosis and MCA blood flow velocity.
• Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), pulsatility, and blood flow velocity in small perforating arteries showed no statistically significant associations.

Conclusions:

• Intracranial arterial calcification is associated with elevated MCA pulsatility, suggesting localized hemodynamic alterations.
• The study did not find significant associations with CVR or perforating artery hemodynamics.
• Larger studies are recommended to confirm potential subtle effects of intracranial arteriosclerosis on cerebrovascular function.