Brain Perivascular Space Morphometry Reflects Shared Familial Microvascular Architecture and Neuropsychiatric
Alexandra Morozova1,2,3, Maria Del C Valdés Hernández1,4,5, Roberto Duarte Coello1,4,5
1Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (A. Morozova, M.C.V.H., R.D.C., H.W., A.M.I., J.M.W.).
Stroke
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Brain perivascular spaces (PVS) show familial patterns and are influenced by age, depression, and grip strength. PVS morphometry reflects shared microvascular traits and individual factors, serving as a marker for brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Cerebrovascular Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Brain perivascular spaces (PVS) are key MRI markers for microvascular function and waste clearance.
- Enlarged PVS are linked to aging and vascular risks, but familial links and individual influences are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if PVS morphometry captures shared familial characteristics.
- To identify individual vascular, physiological, and neuropsychiatric determinants of PVS morphology.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 1183 participants from a family-based cohort using automated MRI segmentation for PVS.
- Quantified PVS volume, count, density, and length in centrum semiovale and basal ganglia.
- Used linear mixed-effects models to assess associations with age, hypertension, hair cortisol, depression, and grip strength, accounting for familial clustering.
Main Results:
- PVS burden increased with age, depressive symptoms, higher hair cortisol, and weaker grip strength.
- Familial clustering was significant for PVS volume and median length, independent of other factors.
- PVS morphometry revealed shared familial microvascular phenotypes and neuropsychiatric influences.
Conclusions:
- PVS morphometry reflects shared familial microvascular phenotypes and individual determinants.
- Findings support PVS morphometry as a valuable neuroimaging marker of cerebral microvascular health.
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