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Decreased signal intensity of cerebral cortex on T2-weighted MR images
Abstract:
To define the frequency of decreased signal intensity (DSI) in cerebral cortex on T2-weighted images relative to aging and to the incidence of identifying white matter pathology, T2-weighted MR brain images of 906 patients consecutively examined between July 1989 and June 1991 were reviewed. MR images of cerebral cortex were divided into five areas: frontal lobe (F), pre- and postcentral gyri (C), parietal lobe (P), occipital lobe (O) and temporal lobe (T). Each area was separately and independently evaluated for the presence or absence of DSI. The frequency of DSI in each area was plotted against patients' ages. The severity of leukoaraiosis was evaluated in relation with DSI in each cortical area. Patients with DSI in area F numbered 61 (5.7%), in area C 236 (26.0%), in area P 174 (15.9%), in area O 428 (47.2%), and in area T 10 (1.1%). The number of patients with DSI in each area increased with age. The greater the severity of leukoaraiosis, the greater the chance of finding DSI of the cerebral cortex. The incidence of DSI in the cerebral cortex increased with the patient's age as well as with the severity of co-existent white matter pathology.
Insights
Decreased signal intensity (DSI) in the cerebral cortex on T2-weighted MRI scans is more common in older individuals. This finding also correlates with the presence and severity of white matter pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Neuroimaging
- Brain MRI
Background:
- Decreased signal intensity (DSI) on T2-weighted MRI can indicate various pathologies.
- Understanding the prevalence of DSI in the cerebral cortex is crucial for interpreting aging-related brain changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of DSI in different cerebral cortical areas.
- To investigate the relationship between DSI, patient age, and white matter pathology (leukoaraiosis).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 906 T2-weighted brain MR images.
- Cerebral cortex divided into five areas: frontal, central, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes.
- Evaluation of DSI presence, age correlation, and leukoaraiosis severity.
Main Results:
- DSI prevalence varied by cortical area, with the occipital lobe showing the highest frequency (47.2%).
- The incidence of DSI increased significantly with patient age across all evaluated cortical areas.
- A stronger correlation was observed between DSI and the severity of leukoaraiosis.
Conclusions:
- DSI in the cerebral cortex is age-dependent.
- The presence and severity of white matter pathology are associated with increased DSI in cortical areas.
- These findings highlight the interplay between aging, white matter changes, and cortical signal alterations on MRI.
