Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Developmental changes in diffusion MRI metrics along the perivascular space in children during the first 5 years of
Maria Camila Cortes-Albornoz1,2, Sergio Valencia1,2, Jeremy N Ford1,2
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, United States.
Insights
The Along the Perivascular Space (ALPS) index increases with age in children under five, particularly in the right hemisphere. This suggests early developmental differences in brain fluid transport and provides key normative data.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The glymphatic system is crucial for brain waste clearance and neural health.
- Understanding its development is key to pediatric brain health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate age-related changes in the Along the Perivascular Space (ALPS) index using MRI in children under 5.
- To establish normative data for early brain development.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion-weighted MRI data from the Baby Connectome Project (BCP) were analyzed.
- The ALPS index was computed using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
- Statistical analyses (linear regression, ANOVA) assessed age, sex, and motion effects.
Main Results:
- ALPS index values significantly increased with age, especially in the right hemisphere.
- Age was a positive predictor of ALPS values (P<0.001).
- No significant effects of sex or head motion were observed.
Conclusions:
- ALPS index increases with age in early childhood, indicating developmental changes in perivascular water diffusivity.
- Findings suggest early hemispheric asymmetry in this process.
- This study provides normative reference data for pediatric neuroimaging.
Background:
The glymphatic system contributes to waste clearance in the brain and helps in maintaining neural health.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the age-related changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of the index of diffusivity along the perivascular space (Along the Perivascular Space (ALPS) index) in infants and children less than 5 years of age.
Materials And Methods:
This IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant study utilized diffusion-weighted MRI data from the Baby Connectome Project (BCP), which scanned developing subjects between birth and 5 years. We randomly selected subjects older than 2 months without significant imaging artifacts. The ALPS index was computed using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-derived diffusivity metrics along projection and association fibers. Multivariable linear regression and ANOVA were used to assess the impact of age, sex, and motion on ALPS index values across hemispheres and age groups.
Results:
We analyzed 60 cases (58% female; mean age=25.4 months). ANOVA demonstrated higher right-hemisphere ALPS values in the 12-24-month, 37-48-month, and 49-65-month groups compared to the 2-12-month group (P<0.05), with no significant differences in the left hemisphere or average index, except in the 49-65-month group. Linear regression showed age as a positive predictor of ALPS values (P<0.001). Sex and head motion had no significant effects.
Conclusion:
ALPS index values increase with age during the first 5 years of life, particularly in the right hemisphere, suggesting early developmental asymmetry in perivascular water diffusivity. These findings provide normative reference data and may inform future pediatric neuroimaging studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...