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Measuring Brain Stiffness in Normal Adults According to Age and Sex Using Virtual MR Elastography: A Preliminary
Jung Hyun Park1, Miran Han2,3, Miseon Yeon2
1Department of Radiology, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Summary
Brain stiffness decreases with age, with significant regional variations. Virtual magnetic resonance elastography (vMRE) effectively measures these age-related changes in brain elasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- Brain stiffness alterations are clinically relevant for understanding aging and sex-related differences.
- Noninvasive techniques are needed to assess these changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age and sex-related changes in brain stiffness using virtual magnetic resonance elastography (vMRE).
- To evaluate regional variations in brain stiffness.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 96 adults (31-80 years) using MRI.
- Calculation of shifted apparent diffusion coefficient from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).
- Conversion to DWI-based virtual shear modulus (μdiff) to measure brain stiffness in 12 regions.
Main Results:
- Brain stiffness showed regional differences, higher in deep structures (thalamus, basal ganglia) than lobar regions.
- A significant negative correlation between age and brain stiffness was observed.
- Cerebral gray matter showed the most pronounced decline in elasticity with age; hippocampal stiffness decreased after 50.
- Sex-related differences in stiffness were noted in the parietal lobe and basal ganglia.
Conclusions:
- vMRE is an effective method for measuring brain elastic properties.
- Brain stiffness decreases with age, with regional variations in the rate of decline.
