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Published on: January 23, 2019
Microstructural changes in memory-related brain regions of stroke-free patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion
Zhenghua Liu1, Yu Xiao2, Xinghua Wan3
1The Department of Radiology, The Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 99, Zhenxing Road, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China. wuxiaoshui@126.com.
Abstract:
We used diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) and 3-dimensional arterial spin labeling to investigate microstructural and perfusion changes in memory-related brain regions in stroke-free patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Forty-nine patients with unilateral MCA occlusion, 11 with bilateral MCA occlusion, and 30 healthy controls underwent 3.0 T MRI. Quantitative anisotropy (QA), restricted diffusion imaging (RDI), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were analyzed in memory-related gray matter regions and fiber tracts. The ratio of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and QA in the affected temporal lobe compared to the contralateral side is referred to as relative CBF (rCBF) and relative QA (rQA). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between rCBF and rQA in the temporal lobe. In unilateral MCA occlusion patients, paired t-tests revealed significantly lower QA and RDI in lesion-side regions of interest (ROIs) compared with contralateral ROIs. For healthy controls, bilateral hemispheric values were averaged, and independent t-tests were used for group comparisons. Patients with unilateral MCA occlusion showed broadly reduced QA and RDI in bilateral ROIs relative to controls, with more severe abnormalities on the lesion side. A moderate correlation between temporal lobe rCBF and rQA indicated that cerebral hypoperfusion may contribute to microstructural alterations. These findings demonstrate that stroke-free patients with unilateral MCA occlusion exhibit subclinical microstructural damage in memory-related brain regions and connected white matter tracts.
Insights
Middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion causes subclinical brain damage in stroke-free individuals. Reduced cerebral blood flow and microstructural changes in memory regions are linked, indicating potential for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Cerebrovascular Diseases
- Brain Microstructure
Background:
- Middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion can lead to neurological deficits, but subclinical changes in stroke-free patients are not well understood.
- Memory-related brain regions are particularly vulnerable to alterations in blood flow and tissue integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microstructural and perfusion changes in memory-related brain regions in stroke-free patients with MCA occlusion.
- To assess the relationship between cerebral blood flow (CBF) and microstructural integrity.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) and 3-dimensional arterial spin labeling MRI were used in 49 unilateral MCA occlusion, 11 bilateral MCA occlusion, and 30 healthy controls.
- Quantitative anisotropy (QA), restricted diffusion imaging (RDI), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were analyzed in gray matter and white matter tracts.
- Relative CBF (rCBF) and relative QA (rQA) were calculated, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed.
Main Results:
- Patients with MCA occlusion showed significantly lower QA and RDI in memory-related regions compared to controls, with more severe deficits on the lesion side.
- A moderate correlation was found between temporal lobe rCBF and rQA, suggesting hypoperfusion contributes to microstructural damage.
- Subclinical microstructural damage was evident in memory regions and connected white matter tracts.
Conclusions:
- Stroke-free patients with MCA occlusion exhibit subclinical microstructural damage in memory-related brain areas.
- Cerebral hypoperfusion may play a role in these microstructural alterations.
- These findings highlight the importance of early detection and monitoring in patients with MCA occlusion.
