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Published on: February 17, 2013
Non-invasive assessment of glymphatic dysfunction in middle cerebral artery stenosis based on DTI-ALPS and ro-ALPS
Yidi Zhu1, Luoyu Wang2, Liqing Zhang3
1School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
Background:
Middle cerebral artery stenosis (MCA-S) impairs cerebral perfusion and vascular pulsatility, potentially disrupting cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. We evaluated perivascular diffusivity in MCA-S using diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index and the redirected ALPS (ro-ALPS) index, and assessed their clinical correlations.
Methods:
Thirty-seven patients with MCA-S and 41 matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent MRI and cognitive function testing. We compared the DTI-ALPS index and ro-ALPS indices between the two groups and performed correlation analyses with cognitive scores and clinical indicators, including high-density lipoprotein, homocysteine, and choroid plexus (CP) volume.
Results:
The results showed that both DTI-ALPS index and ro-ALPS index were significantly lower in the MCA-S group than in the HC group (both p < 0.001). In MCA-S patients, the DTI-ALPS index was negatively correlated with CP volume (r = -0.541, pFDR = 0.012), and the ro-ALPS index showed a negative correlation with CP volume (r = -0.568, pFDR < 0.001).
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that perivascular clearance is impaired in patients with MCA-S, as reflected by lower ALPS indices. These ALPS indices, as imaging biomarkers, show significant associations with CP volume, suggesting their potential utility in monitoring disease progression.
Insights
Middle cerebral artery stenosis (MCA-S) is linked to impaired perivascular clearance, as shown by lower diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) and redirected ALPS (ro-ALPS) indices. These imaging biomarkers correlate with choroid plexus volume, indicating potential for disease monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Cerebrovascular Diseases
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Middle cerebral artery stenosis (MCA-S) affects cerebral perfusion and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics.
- Perivascular spaces play a crucial role in brain fluid exchange.
- Investigating perivascular diffusivity offers insights into MCA-S pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate perivascular diffusivity in MCA-S using DTI-ALPS and ro-ALPS indices.
- To assess the clinical correlations of these indices with cognitive function and biomarkers.
- To determine the utility of ALPS indices as potential imaging biomarkers for MCA-S.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) and redirected ALPS (ro-ALPS) indices were calculated.
- MRI and cognitive function tests were performed on 37 MCA-S patients and 41 healthy controls.
- Correlations were analyzed with cognitive scores, HDL, homocysteine, and choroid plexus (CP) volume.
Main Results:
- Both DTI-ALPS and ro-ALPS indices were significantly lower in the MCA-S group compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001).
- In MCA-S patients, DTI-ALPS showed a negative correlation with CP volume (r = -0.541, pFDR = 0.012).
- The ro-ALPS index also demonstrated a negative correlation with CP volume (r = -0.568, pFDR < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Perivascular clearance is impaired in MCA-S, evidenced by reduced ALPS indices.
- ALPS indices serve as imaging biomarkers associated with CP volume in MCA-S.
- These findings suggest ALPS indices' potential for monitoring MCA-S progression.
