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Quantitative Volumetric Analysis of the Brain Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Sickle Cell Anaemia
Mohammed Abba Suwaid1, Abbas Rabiu Muhammad1, Baffa Adamu Gwaram2
1Department of Radiology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.
Insights
Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) significantly reduces white matter brain volume and alters gray matter volume, impacting brain structure even without overt neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Radiology
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder with high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and the Mediterranean.
- Neurological complications like stroke and silent cerebral infarcts (SCI) are significant causes of morbidity in SCD patients.
- Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is the most severe form of SCD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare brain gray matter and white matter volumes in SCA patients with and without SCI.
- To assess brain structural differences between SCA patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 264 participants: SCA patients with SCI, SCA patients without SCI, and healthy controls.
- Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed using a 1.5 Tesla scanner.
- Image segmentation and volumetric analysis conducted with the Computational Anatomy Toolbox (CAT12).
Main Results:
- SCA patients, with or without SCI, exhibited significantly reduced white matter volumes compared to controls.
- Gray matter volume was significantly increased in SCA patients, especially those without SCI, relative to controls.
Conclusions:
- Sickle cell anaemia is linked to substantial white matter volume reduction and gray matter alterations.
- These brain structure changes highlight the disease's impact, even without apparent neurological deficits.
Background:
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited hemoglobinopathies caused by a mutation in the β-globin gene, with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) representing the homozygous and most severe form. The disease burden is highest in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and the Mediterranean region. Neurological complications, including overt stroke and silent cerebral infarcts (SCI), contribute significantly to morbidity, with a markedly increased risk observed among affected individuals. The objective of the study is to assess and compare brain gray matter and white matter volumes in patients with sickle cell anaemia with and without silent cerebral infarcts, and in healthy controls.
Methodology:
This cross-sectional study included 264 participants divided into three groups: SCA patients with SCI, SCA patients without SCI, and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging using a 1.5 Tesla scanner. Image segmentation and volumetric analysis were performed using the Computational Anatomy Toolbox (CAT12).
Results:
White matter volume was significantly reduced in SCA patients, both with and without SCI, compared to controls. Gray matter volume was significantly increased in SCA patients, particularly among those without SCI, relative to controls.
Conclusion:
Sickle cell anaemia is associated with significant reductions in white matter volume and alterations in gray matter volume, highlighting the impact of the disease on brain structure even in the absence of overt neurological deficits.
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