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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
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A Standardized Pipeline for Examining Human Cerebellar Grey Matter Morphometry using Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: February 4, 2022
Brain morphometric alterations associated with degenerative scoliosis: a structural MRI study
Ahmet Payas1, Hikmet Kocaman2, Şule Göktürk3
1Amasya University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Amasya, Turkey. fizyopayass@gmail.com.
Summary
Degenerative scoliosis (DS) involves central nervous system changes, including brain atrophy and ventricular enlargement. These findings suggest a significant role for the brain in DS pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Degenerative scoliosis (DS) is traditionally seen as a spinal issue.
- Chronic pain and posture changes in DS suggest central nervous system involvement.
- Investigating brain structure in DS is crucial for understanding its full scope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify structural brain differences in individuals with DS compared to healthy controls.
- To provide morphometric evidence for central nervous system involvement in DS.
- To explore the relationship between DS and brain morphometry.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- High-resolution T1-weighted MRI scans for 39 participants (19 DS, 20 controls).
- Automated brain morphometry analysis using volBrain, with ANCOVA and regression models for comparisons.
Main Results:
- DS patients showed significant ventricular enlargement and atrophy in the thalamus and cerebellum.
- Reduced volumes were observed in the insular and precentral gyri.
- A machine-learning model accurately distinguished DS patients from controls based on neuroanatomical features (ROC-AUC 0.96).
Conclusions:
- DS is linked to specific cortical and subcortical structural changes, particularly in the cerebellar-thalamo-cortical network.
- These brain alterations may result from degeneration and adaptation to postural imbalance.
- The findings highlight the central nervous system's role in DS and suggest further research.
