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Bouffard MA, Avanaki MA, Ford JN, Jaafar N, Brook A, Abbasi B, Torun N, Alsop D, Comeau DS, Chang YM. MRI Indices of Glymphatic Function Correlate With Disease Duration in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. J Neuroophthalmol 2024:00041327-990000000-00705. [PMID: 39228018 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000002259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The glymphatic system represents an extravascular network of astrocytic channels responsible for interstitial fluid and solute transit through the brain parenchyma. Its dysfunction has been considered as a possible cause of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). METHODS We enrolled participants with active IIH, treated or cured IIH, and controls. The active IIH group was divided into untreated participants with recently developed (<6 mo) and chronic (6+ mo) disease. Glymphatic function was assessed using diffusion tensor imaging along the paravascular space (DTI-ALPS) to generate an ALPS-index, hypothesized to measure glymphatic function. Participants were imaged before lumbar puncture (LP) if IIH was suspected and following LP when possible. RESULTS ALPS indices were higher in participants with chronically present, active IIH than in those either with recently developed IIH or control participants. ALPS-indices correlated with papilledema but did not correlate significantly with age, BMI, or intracranial pressure (ICP). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that DTI-ALPS-indices of glymphatic function may be influenced by the chronicity of intracranial hypertension but do not support the hypothesis that glymphatic dysfunction causes IIH. Though these findings are preliminary, glymphatic imaging may be a useful radiographic biomarker in IIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Bouffard
- Departments of Neurology (MB, BA), Radiology (MAA, NJ, AB, DA, DSC, Y-MC), and Surgery (NT), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology (MB, BA), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Radiology (JF), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Sacchi L, D'Agata F, Campisi C, Arcaro M, Carandini T, Örzsik B, Dal Maschio VP, Fenoglio C, Pietroboni AM, Ghezzi L, Serpente M, Pintus M, Conte G, Triulzi F, Lopiano L, Galimberti D, Cercignani M, Bozzali M, Arighi A. A "glympse" into neurodegeneration: Diffusion MRI and cerebrospinal fluid aquaporin-4 for the assessment of glymphatic system in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26805. [PMID: 39185685 PMCID: PMC11345637 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The glymphatic system (GS) is a whole-brain perivascular network, consisting of three compartments: the periarterial and perivenous spaces and the interposed brain parenchyma. GS dysfunction has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). So far, comprehensive research on GS in humans has been limited by the absence of easily accessible biomarkers. Recently, promising non-invasive methods based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) quantification in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were introduced for an indirect assessment of each of the three GS compartments. We recruited 111 consecutive subjects presenting with symptoms suggestive of degenerative cognitive decline, who underwent 3 T MRI scanning including multi-shell diffusion-weighted images. Forty nine out of 111 also underwent CSF examination with quantification of CSF-AQP4. CSF-AQP4 levels and MRI measures-including perivascular spaces (PVS) counts and volume fraction (PVSVF), white matter free water fraction (FW-WM) and mean kurtosis (MK-WM), diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular spaces (DTI-ALPS) (mean, left and right)-were compared among patients with AD (n = 47) and other neurodegenerative diseases (nAD = 24), patients with stable mild cognitive impairment (MCI = 17) and cognitively unimpaired (CU = 23) elderly people. Two runs of analysis were conducted, the first including all patients; the second after dividing both nAD and AD patients into two subgroups based on gray matter atrophy as a proxy of disease stage. Age, sex, years of education, and scanning time were included as confounding factors in the analyses. Considering the whole cohort, patients with AD showed significantly higher levels of CSF-AQP4 (exp(b) = 2.05, p = .005) and FW-WM FW-WM (exp(b) = 1.06, p = .043) than CU. AQP4 levels were also significantly higher in nAD in respect to CU (exp(b) = 2.98, p < .001). CSF-AQP4 and FW-WM were significantly higher in both less atrophic AD (exp(b) = 2.20, p = .006; exp(b) = 1.08, p = .019, respectively) and nAD patients (exp(b) = 2.66, p = .002; exp(b) = 1.10, p = .019, respectively) compared to CU subjects. Higher total (exp(b) = 1.59, p = .013) and centrum semiovale PVS counts (exp(b) = 1.89, p = .016), total (exp(b) = 1.50, p = .036) and WM PVSVF (exp(b) = 1.89, p = .005) together with lower MK-WM (exp(b) = 0.94, p = .006), mean and left ALPS (exp(b) = 0.91, p = .043; exp(b) = 0.88, p = .010 respectively) were observed in more atrophic AD patients in respect to CU. In addition, more atrophic nAD patients exhibited higher levels of AQP4 (exp(b) = 3.39, p = .002) than CU. Our results indicate significant changes in putative MRI biomarkers of GS and CSF-AQP4 levels in AD and in other neurodegenerative dementias, suggesting a close interaction between glymphatic dysfunction and neurodegeneration, particularly in the case of AD. However, the usefulness of some of these biomarkers as indirect and standalone indices of glymphatic activity may be hindered by their dependence on disease stage and structural brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sacchi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Federico D'Agata
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”University of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Corrado Campisi
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”University of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Marina Arcaro
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Tiziana Carandini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Balázs Örzsik
- Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Vera Pacoova Dal Maschio
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”University of TurinTurinItaly
- Neurology 2 Unit, A.O.U. Città della Salute e Della Scienza di TorinoTurinItaly
| | - Chiara Fenoglio
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | | | - Laura Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Maria Serpente
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Manuela Pintus
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Giorgio Conte
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Fabio Triulzi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Leonardo Lopiano
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”University of TurinTurinItaly
- Neurology 2 Unit, A.O.U. Città della Salute e Della Scienza di TorinoTurinItaly
| | - Daniela Galimberti
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | | | - Marco Bozzali
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”University of TurinTurinItaly
- Neurology 2 Unit, A.O.U. Città della Salute e Della Scienza di TorinoTurinItaly
| | - Andrea Arighi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
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Pang H, Wang J, Yu Z, Yu H, Li X, Bu S, Zhao M, Jiang Y, Liu Y, Fan G. Glymphatic function from diffusion-tensor MRI to predict conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol 2024; 271:5598-5609. [PMID: 38913186 PMCID: PMC11319419 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12525-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although brain glymphatic dysfunction is a contributing factor to the cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD), its role in the longitudinal progression of cognitive dysfunction remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate the glymphatic function in PD with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that progresses to dementia (PDD) and to determine its predictive value in identifying individuals at high risk for developing dementia. METHODS We included 64 patients with PD meeting criteria for MCI and categorized them as either progressed to PDD (converters) (n = 29) or did not progress to PDD (nonconverters) (n = 35), depending on whether they developed dementia during follow-up. Meanwhile, 35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were included. Bilateral diffusion-tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) indices and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) volume fraction in bilateral centrum semiovale, basal ganglia (BG), and midbrain were compared among the three groups. Correlations among the DTI-ALPS index and EPVS, as well as cognitive performance were analyzed. Additionally, we investigated the mediation effect of EPVS on DTI-ALPS and cognitive function. RESULTS PDD converters had lower cognitive composites scores in the executive domains than did nonconverters (P < 0.001). Besides, PDD converters had a significantly lower DTI-ALPS index in the left hemisphere (P < 0.001) and a larger volume fraction of BG-PVS (P = 0.03) compared to HC and PDD nonconverters. Lower DTI-ALPS index and increased BG-PVS volume fraction were associated with worse performance in the global cognitive performance and executive function. However, there was no significant mediating effect. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the DTI-ALPS could effectively identify PDD converters with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.850. CONCLUSION The reduction of glymphatic activity, measured by the DTI-ALPS, could potentially be used as a non-invasive indicator in forecasting high risk of dementia conversion before the onset of dementia in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huize Pang
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Juzhou Wang
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ziyang Yu
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hongmei Yu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuting Bu
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Mengwan Zhao
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yueluan Jiang
- MR Research Collaboration, Siemens Healthineers, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Guoguang Fan
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Sun YW, Lyu XY, Lei XY, Huang MM, Wang ZM, Gao B. Association study of brain structure-function coupling and glymphatic system function in patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1417986. [PMID: 39139498 PMCID: PMC11320604 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1417986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a critical transitional phase from healthy cognitive aging to dementia, offering a unique opportunity for early intervention. However, few studies focus on the correlation of brain structure and functional activity in patients with MCI due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Elucidating the complex interactions between structural-functional (SC-FC) brain connectivity and glymphatic system function is crucial for understanding this condition. Method The aims of this study were to explore the relationship among SC-FC coupling values, glymphatic system function and cognitive function. 23 MCI patients and 18 healthy controls (HC) underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (fMRI). DTI analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index and SC-FC coupling values were calculated using DTI and fMRI. Correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, DTI-ALPS index, and coupling values. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was conducted on the SC-FC coupling between the whole brain and subnetworks. The correlation of coupling values with MMSE scores was also analyzed. Result MCI patients (67.74 ± 6.99 years of age) exhibited significantly lower coupling in the whole-brain network and subnetworks, such as the somatomotor network (SMN) and ventral attention network (VAN), than HCs (63.44 ± 6.92 years of age). Whole-brain network coupling was positively correlated with dorsal attention network (DAN), SMN, and visual network (VN) coupling. MMSE scores were significantly positively correlated with whole-brain coupling and SMN coupling. In MCI, whole-brain network demonstrated the highest performance, followed by the SMN and VAN, with the VN, DAN, limbic network (LN), frontoparietal network (FPN), and default mode network (DMN). Compared to HCs, lower DTI-ALPS index was observed in individuals with MCI. Additionally, the left DTI-ALPS index showed a significant positive correlation with MMSE scores and coupling values in the whole-brain network and SMN. Conclusion These findings reveal the critical role of SC-FC coupling values and the ALPS index in cognitive function of MCI. The positive correlations observed in the left DTI-ALPS and whole-brain and SMN coupling values provide a new insight for investigating the asymmetrical nature of cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Wen Sun
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xin-Yue Lyu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Lei
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ming-Ming Huang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhen-Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Chae S, Yang E, Moon WJ, Kim JH. Deep Cascade of Convolutional Neural Networks for Quantification of Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in the Basal Ganglia in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1504. [PMID: 39061641 PMCID: PMC11276133 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14141504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we present a cascaded deep convolution neural network (CNN) for assessing enlarged perivascular space (ePVS) within the basal ganglia region using T2-weighted MRI. Enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVSs) are potential biomarkers for various neurodegenerative disorders, including dementia and Parkinson's disease. Accurate assessment of ePVS is crucial for early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. Our approach first utilizes an ePVS enhancement CNN to improve ePVS visibility and then employs a quantification CNN to predict the number of ePVSs. The ePVS enhancement CNN selectively enhances the ePVS areas without the need for additional heuristic parameters, achieving a higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of 113.77 compared to Tophat, Clahe, and Laplacian-based enhancement algorithms. The subsequent ePVS quantification CNN was trained and validated using fourfold cross-validation on a dataset of 76 participants. The quantification CNN attained 88% accuracy at the image level and 94% accuracy at the subject level. These results demonstrate significant improvements over traditional algorithm-based methods, highlighting the robustness and reliability of our deep learning approach. The proposed cascaded deep CNN model not only enhances the visibility of ePVS but also provides accurate quantification, making it a promising tool for evaluating neurodegenerative disorders. This method offers a novel and significant advancement in the non-invasive assessment of ePVS, potentially aiding in early diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunghye Chae
- Medical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ehwa Yang
- School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Jin Moon
- Department of Radiology, Konkuk University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05030, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hun Kim
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
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Shlobin NA, Staple BL, Sclafani M, Harter DH. The Glymphatic System and Subarachnoid Lymphatic-Like Membrane: Recent Developments in Cerebrospinal Fluid Research. World Neurosurg 2024; 190:147-156. [PMID: 39002777 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates throughout the ventricles, cranial and spinal subarachnoid spaces, and central spinal cord canal. CSF protects the central nervous system through mechanical cushioning, regulation of intracranial pressure, regulation of metabolic homeostasis, and provision of nutrients. Recently, investigators have characterized the glial-lymphatic (glymphatic) system, the analog of the lymphatic system in the central nervous system, and described a fourth meningeal layer; the subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane (SLYM)relevant to the CSF. METHODS A narrative review was conducted. RESULTS In this review, we summarize these advances. We describe the development of the original model, controversies, a revised model, and a new conceptual framework. We characterize the biological functions, influence of sleep-wake cycles, and effect of aging with relevance to the glymphatic system. We highlight the role of the glymphatic system in Alzheimer's disease, idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury. Next, we characterize the structure and role of the SLYM. Finally, we explore the relevance of the glymphatic system and SLYM to neurosurgery. CONCLUSIONS This manuscript will inform clinicians and scientists regarding preclinical and translational advances in the understanding of the structure, dynamics, and function of the CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Shlobin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Brandon L Staple
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - David H Harter
- Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone, New York, New York, USA
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Tu Y, Song R, Xiong F, Fu X. Decreased DTI-ALPS index in delirium: a preliminary MRI study. Neuroradiology 2024:10.1007/s00234-024-03415-x. [PMID: 38980344 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-024-03415-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Delirium is linked to brain abnormalities, yet the role of the glymphatic system is not well understood. This study aims to examine alterations in brain physiology in delirium by using diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) to assess water diffusion along the perivascular space (ALPS) and to explore its correlation with clinical symptoms. METHODS We examined 15 patients with delirium and 15 healthy controls, measuring water diffusion metrics along the x-, y-, and z-axes in both projection and association fibers to determine the DTI-ALPS index. We used a general linear model, adjusted for age and sex, to compare the DTI-ALPS index between groups. We also investigated the relationship between the DTI-ALPS index and clinical symptoms using partial correlations. RESULTS Patients with delirium exhibited significantly lower DTI-ALPS indices compared to healthy controls (1.25 ± 0.15 vs. 1.38 ± 0.10, t = 2.903, p = 0.007; 1.27 ± 0.16 vs. 1.39 ± 0.08, 1.22 ± 0.16 vs. 1.37 ± 0.14, t = 2.617, p = 0.014; t = 2.719, p = 0.011; respectively). However, there was no significant correlation between the DTI-ALPS index and clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate a decreased DTI-ALPS index in patients with delirium, suggesting potential alterations in brain physiology that may contribute to the pathophysiology of delirium. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying delirium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Renjie Song
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Fu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
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Taoka T, Ito R, Nakamichi R, Nakane T, Kawai H, Naganawa S. Diffusion Tensor Image Analysis ALong the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS): Revisiting the Meaning and Significance of the Method. Magn Reson Med Sci 2024; 23:268-290. [PMID: 38569866 PMCID: PMC11234944 DOI: 10.2463/mrms.rev.2023-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
More than 5 years have passed since the Diffusion Tensor Image Analysis ALong the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS) method was proposed with the intention of evaluating the glymphatic system. This method is handy due to its noninvasiveness, provision of a simple index in a straightforward formula, and the possibility of retrospective analysis. Therefore, the ALPS method was adopted to evaluate the glymphatic system for many disorders in many studies. The purpose of this review is to look back and discuss the ALPS method at this moment.The ALPS-index was found to be an indicator of a number of conditions related to the glymphatic system. Thus, although this was expected in the original report, the results of the ALPS method are often interpreted as uniquely corresponding to the function of the glymphatic system. However, a number of subsequent studies have pointed out the problems on the data interpretation. As they rightly point out, a higher ALPS-index indicates predominant Brownian motion of water molecules in the radial direction at the lateral ventricular body level, no more and no less. Fortunately, the term "ALPS-index" has become common and is now known as a common term by many researchers. Therefore, the ALPS-index should simply be expressed as high or low, and whether it reflects a glymphatic system is better to be discussed carefully. In other words, when a decreased ALPS-index is observed, it should be expressed as "decreased ALPS-index" and not directly as "glymphatic dysfunction". Recently, various methods have been proposed to evaluate the glymphatic system. It has become clear that these methods also do not seem to reflect the entirety of the extremely complex glymphatic system. This means that it would be desirable to use various methods in combination to evaluate the glymphatic system in a comprehensive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Taoka
- Department of Innovative Biomedical Visualization (iBMV), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Rintaro Ito
- Department of Innovative Biomedical Visualization (iBMV), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Rei Nakamichi
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshiki Nakane
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kawai
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shinji Naganawa
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Sugai Y, Hiraka T, Shibata A, Taketa A, Tanae T, Moriya Y, Komatsu M, Iseki C, Ohta Y, Kanoto M. The time-course augmentation of perivascular space enlargement in the basal ganglia among a community-dwelling elder population. Jpn J Radiol 2024:10.1007/s11604-024-01595-3. [PMID: 38896331 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-024-01595-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined whether time-course augmentation of perivascular space enlargement in the basal ganglia (BG-PVS) reflected cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) severity by considering white matter hyperintensity lesion (WMHL) as an indicator for CSVD. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study population included 416 older participants from a community-based cohort. They participated in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies more than once during the study period. The grades for BG-PVS and WMHL were evaluated by visual rating scales; BG-PVS time-course augmentation in 4-9 years was also evaluated. At baseline, the participants were asked about their smoking and drinking history, and medical history. They also underwent a blood examination and their office blood pressure (BP) examination. In addition, 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring was also performed within the study period. RESULTS Of the 416 participants, 48 participants (11.5%) had BG-PVS time-course augmentation. The participants with BG-PVS augmentation had significantly lower LDL levels, hyper-nighttime BP, and lower nighttime BP fall in univariate analysis (p = 0.03, p = 0.03, p = 0.003, respectively). In multivariate analysis, lower nighttime BP fall and male sex showed significance (p = 0.02, 0.03, respectively). Additionally, BG-PVS time-course augmentation was significantly associated with subsequent WMHL severity in univariate analysis (p < 0.001), which remained significant in multivariate analysis adjusted by imaging and demographic factors (p = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, additionally adjusted by the clinical factors, the significance disappeared (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION This study revealed that the lower nighttime BP fall in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was a factor significantly associated with BG-PVS augmentation. Moreover, the BG-PVS time-course augmentation would be a notable finding that was associated with the subsequent WMHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Sugai
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan.
| | - Toshitada Hiraka
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Akiko Shibata
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Ayato Taketa
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Taiyo Tanae
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Yosuke Moriya
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Masanori Komatsu
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Chifumi Iseki
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Division of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Internal Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Ohta
- Division of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Internal Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kanoto
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
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Villacis G, Schmidt A, Rudolf JC, Schwenke H, Küchler J, Schramm P, Ulloa P. Evaluating the glymphatic system via magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular spaces in brain tumor patients. Jpn J Radiol 2024:10.1007/s11604-024-01602-7. [PMID: 38819694 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-024-01602-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate glymphatic system function in patients with brain tumors, including both primary and secondary tumors, using diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular spaces (DTI-ALPS). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the MR DTI of 24 patients with unilateral brain tumors and compared them with age and sex-matched controls. We compared the DTI-ALPS index of the ipsi- and contralateral brain hemispheres. The region of interest was placed in the periventricular vessels adjacent to the lateral ventricles. Differences between sex, age, and kind of tumor (primary or brain metastasis) were evaluated. Correlations between DTI-ALPS index and age and the tumor's apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were also investigated. RESULTS The DTI-ALPS index was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the tumor-affected hemisphere (mean = 1.26 ± 0.24) than contralateral (mean = 1.43 ± 0.28). A comparison with healthy controls revealed no significant difference on the matched ipsilateral side. However, the DTI-ALPS index of the contralateral side of the patients was larger than the HC. Additionally, no statistically significant differences were found when analyzing the DTI-ALPS index vs. age, sex, and tumor entity. Additionally, we did not find a correlation between the DTI-ALPS index and patient age or tumor ADC. CONCLUSION The decreased DTI-ALPS index in the tumor-affected hemisphere may be related to impaired glymphatic system function. However, cancer is often a systemic disease; thus, the DTI-ALPS index from the contralateral brain hemisphere may not generally be considered as a normal control. Nonetheless, the DTI-ALPS index does not only reflect diffusion in the perivascular spaces but it can also be influenced by factors such as axonal degeneration. Therefore, it does not directly reflect brain waste clearance and changes in the index should be interpreted carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Villacis
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Luebeck, Germany
| | - Aileen Schmidt
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Luebeck, Germany
| | - Justus C Rudolf
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Luebeck, Germany
| | - Hannes Schwenke
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Luebeck, Germany
| | - Jan Küchler
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Luebeck, Germany
| | - Peter Schramm
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Luebeck, Germany
| | - Patricia Ulloa
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Luebeck, Germany.
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11
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Yu S, Jiang H, Yu L, Liu T, Yang C, Cao J, Song Q, Miao Y, Wang W. DTI-ALPS index decreased in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1383780. [PMID: 38841097 PMCID: PMC11150564 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1383780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has become a significant global public health issue, characterized by a rising prevalence and associated deficits across multiple organ systems. Our study aims to utilize the DTI-ALPS technique to assess the change of ALPS index in T2DM patients, and to explore whether such changes are correlated with cognition level and diffusion parameters. Methods The study involved 41 patients with T2DM (mean age, 60.49 ± 8.88 years) and 27 healthy controls (mean age, 58.00 ± 7.63 years). All subjects underwent MRI examination, cognitive assessment, and laboratory tests. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to evaluate white matter changes. GLM was performed to check the DTI-ALPS index difference between T2DM and HC groups. Spearman correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis were used to analyze the correlation between the DTI-ALPS index and diffusion properties & cognitive scores. Results The results show that the ALPS index was lower in T2DM patients. MoCA score was significantly correlated with the ALPS index. Patients with T2DM had a significant increase in both mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD) and decrease in fractional anisotropy (FA) compared to the HC group. Conclusion The results suggest that the ALPS index is decreased in T2DM patients and associates with cognitive level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuncheng Yu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongjun Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Langxuan Yu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Tieli Liu
- College of Medical Imaging, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiajun Cao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qingwei Song
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanwei Miao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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12
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Zhou L, Yang W, Liu Y, Zheng Y, Ge X, Ai K, Liu G, Zhang J. Moderating effect of education on glymphatic function and cognitive performance in mild cognitive impairment. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1399943. [PMID: 38756534 PMCID: PMC11096465 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1399943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This research aims to investigate putative mechanisms between glymphatic activity and cognition in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and analyzes whether the relationship between cognitive reserve (CR) and cognition was mediated by glymphatic activity. Methods 54 MCI patients and 31 NCs were enrolled to evaluate the bilateral diffusivity along the perivascular spaces and to acquire an index for diffusivity along the perivascular space (ALPS-index) on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The year of education was used as a proxy for CR. The ALPS-index was compared between two groups and correlation analyses among the ALPS-index, cognitive function, and CR were conducted. Mediation analyses were applied to investigate the correlations among CR, glymphatic activity and cognition. Results MCI group had a significantly lower right ALPS-index and whole brain ALPS-index, but higher bilateral diffusivity along the y-axis in projection fiber area (Dyproj) than NCs. In MCI group, the left Dyproj was negatively related to cognitive test scores and CR, the whole brain ALPS-index was positively correlated with cognitive test scores and CR. Mediation analysis demonstrated that glymphatic activity partially mediated the correlations between CR and cognitive function. Conclusion MCI exhibited decreased glymphatic activity compared to NCs. CR has a protective effect against cognitive decline in MCI, and this effect may be partially mediated by changes in glymphatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhou
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenxia Yang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Ge
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kai Ai
- Philips Healthcare, Xi’an, China
| | - Guangyao Liu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou, China
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Ringstad G. Glymphatic imaging: a critical look at the DTI-ALPS index. Neuroradiology 2024; 66:157-160. [PMID: 38197950 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-023-03270-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Geir Ringstad
- Department of Radiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Sorlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway.
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