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Zong F, Wang L, Liu H, Xue B, Bai R, Liu Y. A genetic optimisation and iterative reconstruction framework for sparse multi-dimensional diffusion-relaxation correlation MRI. Comput Biol Med 2024; 175:108508. [PMID: 38678941 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108508] [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] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Multi-dimensional diffusion-relaxation correlation (DRC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have recently been developed to investigate tissue microstructures. Sub-voxel tissue heterogeneity is resolved from the local correlation distributions of relaxation time and molecular diffusivity. However, the implementation of these techniques considerably increases the total acquisition time, and simply reducing the scan time may be at the expense of detailed structural resolution. To overcome these limitations, an optimised framework was proposed for acquiring microstructural maps of the human brain on a clinically feasible timescale. First, the acquisition parameters of the multi-dimensional DRC MRI method were sparsely optimised using a genetic algorithm with a fitness function according to the spectral resolution of the correlation map, hardware requirements, and total scan time. Next, the acquired DRC MRI data were processed using a proposed numerical algorithm based on the dynamic inverse Laplace transform (ILT). Prior knowledge from one-dimensional data was then utilised in the iterative procedure to improve the spectral resolution. Finally, the proposed framework was validated using Monte Carlo simulations and experimental data acquired from healthy participants on an MRI scanner. The results demonstrated that the suggested approach is feasible for offering high-resolution DRC maps that correspond to distinct microstructures with a limited amount of optimised acquisition data from two-dimensional DRC sampling space. By significantly reducing scan time while retaining structural resolution, this approach may enable multi-dimensional DRC MRI to be more widely used for quantitative evaluation in biological and medical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangrong Zong
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Post and Telecommunication, Beijing, 100876, China.
| | - Lixian Wang
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Huabing Liu
- Beijing Limecho Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, 102200, China
| | - Bing Xue
- School of Engineering and Computer Science, Victoria University of Wellington, Victoria, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Ruiliang Bai
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310020, China; MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Yong Liu
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Post and Telecommunication, Beijing, 100876, China.
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Ying Y, Li Y, Yao T, Shao X, Tang W, Montagne A, Chabriat H, Wang DJJ, Wang C, Yang Q, Cheng X. Heterogeneous blood-brain barrier dysfunction in cerebral small vessel diseases. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 38787758 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We explored how blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage rate of gadolinium chelates (Ktrans) and BBB water exchange rate (kw) varied in cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) subtypes. METHODS Thirty sporadic cSVD, 40 cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), and 13 high-temperature requirement factor A serine peptidase 1 (HTRA) -related cSVD subjects were investigated parallel to 40 healthy individuals. Subjects underwent clinical, cognitive, and MRI assessment. RESULTS In CADASIL, no difference in Ktrans, but lower kw was observed in multiple brain regions. In sporadic cSVD, no difference in kw, but higher Ktrans was found in the whole brain and normal-appearing white matter. In HTRA1-related cSVD, both higher Ktrans in the whole brain and lower kw in multiple brain regions were observed. In each patient group, the altered BBB measures were correlated with lesion burden or clinical severity. DISCUSSION In cSVD subtypes, distinct alterations of kw and Ktrans were observed. The combination of Ktrans and kw can depict the heterogeneous BBB dysfunction. HIGHLIGHTS We measured BBB leakage to gadolinium-based contrast agent (Ktrans) and water exchange rate (kw) across BBB in three subtypes of cSVD. CADASIL is characterized by lower kw, HTRA1-related cSVD exhibits both higher Ktrans and lower kw, while sporadic cSVD is distinguished by higher Ktrans. There are distinct alterations in kw and Ktrans among subtypes of cSVD, indicating the heterogeneous nature of BBB dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqing Ying
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Neurological Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Li
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingyan Yao
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Xingfeng Shao
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), USC Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Weijun Tang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Axel Montagne
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hugues Chabriat
- Centre Neurovasculaire Translationnel, CERVCO, INSERM U1141, FHU NeuroVasc, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Danny J J Wang
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), USC Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chaodong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Cheng
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Neurological Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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3
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van Houdt PJ, Ragunathan S, Berks M, Ahmed Z, Kershaw LE, Gurney-Champion OJ, Tadimalla S, Arvidsson J, Sun Y, Kallehauge J, Dickie B, Lévy S, Bell L, Sourbron S, Thrippleton MJ. Contrast-agent-based perfusion MRI code repository and testing framework: ISMRM Open Science Initiative for Perfusion Imaging (OSIPI). Magn Reson Med 2024; 91:1774-1786. [PMID: 37667526 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29826] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Software has a substantial impact on quantitative perfusion MRI values. The lack of generally accepted implementations, code sharing and transparent testing reduces reproducibility, hindering the use of perfusion MRI in clinical trials. To address these issues, the ISMRM Open Science Initiative for Perfusion Imaging (OSIPI) aimed to establish a community-led, centralized repository for sharing open-source code for processing contrast-based perfusion imaging, incorporating an open-source testing framework. METHODS A repository was established on the OSIPI GitHub website. Python was chosen as the target software language. Calls for code contributions were made to OSIPI members, the ISMRM Perfusion Study Group, and publicly via OSIPI websites. An automated unit-testing framework was implemented to evaluate the output of code contributions, including visual representation of the results. RESULTS The repository hosts 86 implementations of perfusion processing steps contributed by 12 individuals or teams. These cover all core aspects of DCE- and DSC-MRI processing, including multiple implementations of the same functionality. Tests were developed for 52 implementations, covering five analysis steps. For T1 mapping, signal-to-concentration conversion and population AIF functions, different implementations resulted in near-identical output values. For the five pharmacokinetic models tested (Tofts, extended Tofts-Kety, Patlak, two-compartment exchange, and two-compartment uptake), differences in output parameters were observed between contributions. CONCLUSIONS The OSIPI DCE-DSC code repository represents a novel community-led model for code sharing and testing. The repository facilitates the re-use of existing code and the benchmarking of new code, promoting enhanced reproducibility in quantitative perfusion imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra J van Houdt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Michael Berks
- Quantitative Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Zaki Ahmed
- Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Oak, USA
| | - Lucy E Kershaw
- Edinburgh Imaging and Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Oliver J Gurney-Champion
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sirisha Tadimalla
- Institute of Medical Physics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathan Arvidsson
- Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yu Sun
- Institute of Medical Physics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jesper Kallehauge
- Aarhus University Hospital, Danish Centre for Particle Therapy, Aarhus, Denmark
- Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ben Dickie
- Division of Informatics, Imaging, and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Simon Lévy
- MR Research Collaborations, Siemens Healthcare Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Laura Bell
- Genentech, Inc, Clinical Imaging Group, South San Francisco, USA
| | - Steven Sourbron
- University of Sheffield, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael J Thrippleton
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Imaging and Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
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4
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Kamagata K, Saito Y, Andica C, Uchida W, Takabayashi K, Yoshida S, Hagiwara A, Fujita S, Nakaya M, Akashi T, Wada A, Kamiya K, Hori M, Aoki S. Noninvasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measures of Glymphatic System Activity. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:1476-1493. [PMID: 37655849 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The comprehension of the glymphatic system, a postulated mechanism responsible for the removal of interstitial solutes within the central nervous system (CNS), has witnessed substantial progress recently. While direct measurement techniques involving fluorescence and contrast agent tracers have demonstrated success in animal studies, their application in humans is invasive and presents challenges. Hence, exploring alternative noninvasive approaches that enable glymphatic research in humans is imperative. This review primarily focuses on several noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, encompassing perivascular space (PVS) imaging, diffusion tensor image analysis along the PVS, arterial spin labeling, chemical exchange saturation transfer, and intravoxel incoherent motion. These methodologies provide valuable insights into the dynamics of interstitial fluid, water permeability across the blood-brain barrier, and cerebrospinal fluid flow within the cerebral parenchyma. Furthermore, the review elucidates the underlying concept and clinical applications of these noninvasive MRI techniques, highlighting their strengths and limitations. It addresses concerns about the relationship between glymphatic system activity and pathological alterations, emphasizing the necessity for further studies to establish correlations between noninvasive MRI measurements and pathological findings. Additionally, the challenges associated with conducting multisite studies, such as variability in MRI systems and acquisition parameters, are addressed, with a suggestion for the use of harmonization methods, such as the combined association test (COMBAT), to enhance standardization and statistical power. Current research gaps and future directions in noninvasive MRI techniques for assessing the glymphatic system are discussed, emphasizing the need for larger sample sizes, harmonization studies, and combined approaches. In conclusion, this review provides invaluable insights into the application of noninvasive MRI methods for monitoring glymphatic system activity in the CNS. It highlights their potential in advancing our understanding of the glymphatic system, facilitating clinical applications, and paving the way for future research endeavors in this field. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Kamagata
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuya Saito
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Christina Andica
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Health Data Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Wataru Uchida
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaito Takabayashi
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seina Yoshida
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akifumi Hagiwara
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shohei Fujita
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Radiology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moto Nakaya
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Radiology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Akashi
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Wada
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouhei Kamiya
- Department of Radiology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaaki Hori
- Department of Radiology, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeki Aoki
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Health Data Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
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5
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Woods JG, Achten E, Asllani I, Bolar DS, Dai W, Detre JA, Fan AP, Fernández-Seara MA, Golay X, Günther M, Guo J, Hernandez-Garcia L, Ho ML, Juttukonda MR, Lu H, MacIntosh BJ, Madhuranthakam AJ, Mutsaerts HJ, Okell TW, Parkes LM, Pinter N, Pinto J, Qin Q, Smits M, Suzuki Y, Thomas DL, Van Osch MJP, Wang DJJ, Warnert EAH, Zaharchuk G, Zelaya F, Zhao M, Chappell MA. Recommendations for quantitative cerebral perfusion MRI using multi-timepoint arterial spin labeling: Acquisition, quantification, and clinical applications. Magn Reson Med 2024. [PMID: 38594906 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.30091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Accurate assessment of cerebral perfusion is vital for understanding the hemodynamic processes involved in various neurological disorders and guiding clinical decision-making. This guidelines article provides a comprehensive overview of quantitative perfusion imaging of the brain using multi-timepoint arterial spin labeling (ASL), along with recommendations for its acquisition and quantification. A major benefit of acquiring ASL data with multiple label durations and/or post-labeling delays (PLDs) is being able to account for the effect of variable arterial transit time (ATT) on quantitative perfusion values and additionally visualize the spatial pattern of ATT itself, providing valuable clinical insights. Although multi-timepoint data can be acquired in the same scan time as single-PLD data with comparable perfusion measurement precision, its acquisition and postprocessing presents challenges beyond single-PLD ASL, impeding widespread adoption. Building upon the 2015 ASL consensus article, this work highlights the protocol distinctions specific to multi-timepoint ASL and provides robust recommendations for acquiring high-quality data. Additionally, we propose an extended quantification model based on the 2015 consensus model and discuss relevant postprocessing options to enhance the analysis of multi-timepoint ASL data. Furthermore, we review the potential clinical applications where multi-timepoint ASL is expected to offer significant benefits. This article is part of a series published by the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) Perfusion Study Group, aiming to guide and inspire the advancement and utilization of ASL beyond the scope of the 2015 consensus article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Woods
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Eric Achten
- Ghent Institute for Functional and Metabolic Imaging (GIfMI), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Iris Asllani
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Divya S Bolar
- Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Weiying Dai
- Department of Computer Science, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - John A Detre
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Audrey P Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - María A Fernández-Seara
- Department of Radiology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xavier Golay
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Gold Standard Phantoms, Sheffield, UK
| | - Matthias Günther
- Imaging Physics, Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jia Guo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | | | - Mai-Lan Ho
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Meher R Juttukonda
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hanzhang Lu
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bradley J MacIntosh
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Centre for Brain Resilience & Recovery, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Computational Radiology & Artificial Intelligence unit, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ananth J Madhuranthakam
- Department of Radiology and Advanced Imaging Research Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Henk-Jan Mutsaerts
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain Imaging, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas W Okell
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura M Parkes
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Nandor Pinter
- Dent Neurologic Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
- University at Buffalo Neurosurgery, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Joana Pinto
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Qin Qin
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marion Smits
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Medical Delta, Delft, The Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David L Thomas
- Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Matthias J P Van Osch
- C.J. Gorter MRI Center, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Danny J J Wang
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Esther A H Warnert
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Greg Zaharchuk
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Fernando Zelaya
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Moss Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Michael A Chappell
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Voorter PHM, van Dinther M, Jansen WJ, Postma AA, Staals J, Jansen JFA, van Oostenbrugge RJ, van der Thiel MM, Backes WH. Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Perivascular Spaces in Small Vessel Disease and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review on MRI Methods and Insights. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:397-411. [PMID: 37658640 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Perivascular spaces (PVS) and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption are two key features of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) and neurodegenerative diseases that have been linked to cognitive impairment and are involved in the cerebral waste clearance system. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the possibility to study these pathophysiological processes noninvasively in vivo. This educational review provides an overview of the MRI techniques used to assess PVS functionality and BBB disruption. MRI-visible PVS can be scored on structural images by either (subjectively) counting or (automatically) delineating the PVS. We highlight emerging (diffusion) techniques to measure proxies of perivascular fluid and its movement, which may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the role of PVS in diseases. For the measurement of BBB disruption, we explain the most commonly used MRI technique, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI, as well as a more recently developed technique based on arterial spin labeling (ASL). DCE MRI and ASL are thought to measure complementary characteristics of the BBB. Furthermore, we describe clinical studies that have utilized these MRI techniques in cSVD and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). These studies demonstrate the role of PVS and BBB dysfunction in these diseases and provide insight into the large overlap, but also into the differences between cSVD and AD. Overall, MRI techniques may provide valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these diseases and have the potential to be used as markers for disease progression and treatment response. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien H M Voorter
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Maud van Dinther
- School for Cardiovascular Disease, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Willemijn J Jansen
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Alzheimer Center Limburg, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Alida A Postma
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Julie Staals
- School for Cardiovascular Disease, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jacobus F A Jansen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J van Oostenbrugge
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- School for Cardiovascular Disease, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Merel M van der Thiel
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Alzheimer Center Limburg, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Walter H Backes
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- School for Cardiovascular Disease, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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7
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Zachariou V, Pappas C, Bauer CE, Shao X, Liu P, Lu H, Wang DJJ, Gold BT. Regional differences in the link between water exchange rate across the blood-brain barrier and cognitive performance in normal aging. GeroScience 2024; 46:265-282. [PMID: 37713089 PMCID: PMC10828276 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00930-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) undergoes functional changes with aging which may contribute to cognitive decline. A novel, diffusion prepared arterial spin labeling-based MRI technique can measure the rate of water exchange across the BBB (kw) and may thus be sensitive to age-related alterations in water exchange at the BBB. However, studies investigating relationships between kw and cognition have reported different directions of association. Here, we begin to investigate the direction of associations between kw and cognition in different brain regions, and their possible underpinnings, by evaluating links between kw, cognitive performance, and MRI markers of cerebrovascular dysfunction and/or damage. Forty-seven healthy older adults (age range 61-84) underwent neuroimaging to obtain whole-brain measures of kw, cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes. Additionally, participants completed uniform data set (Version 3) neuropsychological tests of executive function (EF) and episodic memory (MEM). Voxel-wise linear regressions were conducted to test associations between kw and cognitive performance, CVR, and WMH volumes. We found that kw in the frontoparietal brain regions was positively associated with cognitive performance but not with CVR or WMH volumes. Conversely, kw in the basal ganglia was negatively associated with cognitive performance and CVR and positively associated with regional, periventricular WMH volume. These regionally dependent associations may relate to different physiological underpinnings in the relationships between kw and cognition in neocortical versus subcortical brain regions in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentinos Zachariou
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Colleen Pappas
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Christopher E Bauer
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Xingfeng Shao
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peiying Liu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hanzhang Lu
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Danny J J Wang
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian T Gold
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Sanders-Brown Center On Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Wang Z, Wang B, Li Z, Han G, Meng C, Jiao B, Guo K, Hsu YC, Sun Y, Liu Y, Bai R. The Consistence of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI and Filter-Exchange Imaging in Measuring Water Exchange Across the Blood-Brain Barrier in High-Grade Glioma. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 58:1850-1860. [PMID: 37021659 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28729] [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] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Water exchange across blood-brain barrier (BBB) (WEXBBB ) is an emerging biomarker of BBB dysfunction with potential applications in many brain diseases. Several MRI methods have been proposed to measure WEXBBB , but evidence remains scarce whether different methods can produce comparable WEXBBB . PURPOSE To explore whether dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI and vascular water exchange imaging (VEXI) could produce comparable WEXBBB in high-grade glioma (HGG) patients. STUDY TYPE Prospective cross-sectional. SUBJECTS 13 HGG patients (58.4 ± 9.4 years, 9 females, 4 WHO III and 9 WHO IV). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE A 3 T, spoiled gradient-recalled-echo DCE-MRI and VEXI containing two pulsed-gradient spin-echo blocks separated by a mixing block. ASSESSMENTS The enhanced tumor and contralateral normal-appearing white matter (cNAWM) volume-of-interests (VOIs) were drew by two neuroradiologists. And whole-brain NAWM and normal-appearing gray matter (NAGM) without tumor-affected regions were segmented by automated segmentation algorithm in FSL. STATISTICAL TESTS Student's t-test was used to evaluate parameters difference between cNAWM and tumor, NAGM and NAWM, respectively. The correlation between vascular water efflux rate constant (kbo ) from DCE-MRI and apparent exchange rate across BBB (AXRBBB ) from VEXI was evaluated by Pearson correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Compared with cNAWM, both kbo and AXRBBB were significantly reduced in tumor (kbo = 3.50 ± 1.18 sec-1 vs. 1.03 ± 0.75 sec-1 ; AXRBBB = 3.54 ± 1.11 sec-1 vs. 1.94 ± 1.04 sec-1 ). Both kbo and AXRBBB showed significantly higher values in NAWM than NAGM (kbo = 3.50 ± 0.59 sec-1 vs. 2.10 ± 0.56 sec-1 ; AXRBBB = 3.35 ± 0.77 sec-1 vs. 2.07 ± 0.52 sec-1 ). The VOI-averaged kbo and AXRBBB were also linearly correlated in tumor, NAWM, and NAGM (r = 0.59). DATA CONCLUSION DCE-MRI and VEXI showed comparable and correlated WEXBBB in HGG patients, suggesting that the consistence and reliability of these two MRI methods in measuring WEXBBB . EVIDENCE LEVEL 2. TECHNICAL EFFICACY Stage 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Wang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bao Wang
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaoqing Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangxu Han
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Bingjie Jiao
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaiyue Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi-Cheng Hsu
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Sun
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ruiliang Bai
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Powell E, Dickie BR, Ohene Y, Maskery M, Parker GJM, Parkes LM. Blood-brain barrier water exchange measurements using contrast-enhanced ASL. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 36:e5009. [PMID: 37666494 PMCID: PMC10909569 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
A technique for quantifying regional blood-brain barrier (BBB) water exchange rates using contrast-enhanced arterial spin labelling (CE-ASL) is presented and evaluated in simulations and in vivo. The two-compartment ASL model describes the water exchange rate from blood to tissue,k b , but to estimatek b in practice it is necessary to separate the intra- and extravascular signals. This is challenging in standard ASL data owing to the small difference inT 1 values. Here, a gadolinium-based contrast agent is used to increase thisT 1 difference and enable the signal components to be disentangled. The optimal post-contrast bloodT 1 (T 1 , b post ) at 3 T was determined in a sensitivity analysis, and the accuracy and precision of the method quantified using Monte Carlo simulations. Proof-of-concept data were acquired in six healthy volunteers (five female, age range 24-46 years). The sensitivity analysis identified the optimalT 1 , b post at 3 T as 0.8 s. Simulations showed thatk b could be estimated in individual cortical regions with a relative error ϵ < 1 % and coefficient of variation CoV = 30 %; however, a high dependence on bloodT 1 was also observed. In volunteer data, mean parameter values in grey matter were: arterial transit timet A = 1 . 15 ± 0 . 49 s, cerebral blood flow f = 58 . 0 ± 14 . 3 mL blood/min/100 mL tissue and water exchange ratek b = 2 . 32 ± 2 . 49 s-1 . CE-ASL can provide regional BBB water exchange rate estimates; however, the clinical utility of the technique is dependent on the achievable accuracy of measuredT 1 values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Powell
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Ben R. Dickie
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research CentreUniversity of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
| | - Yolanda Ohene
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research CentreUniversity of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Mark Maskery
- Department of NeurologyLancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustPrestonUK
| | - Geoff J. M. Parker
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Queen Square MS Centre, Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Bioxydyn LimitedManchesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Laura M. Parkes
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research CentreUniversity of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
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10
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Ling C, Zhang J, Shao X, Bai L, Li Z, Sun Y, Li F, Wang Z, Xue R, Zhuo Y, Yang Q, Zhang Z, Wang DJJ, Yuan Y. Diffusion prepared pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling reveals blood-brain barrier dysfunction in patients with CADASIL. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:6959-6969. [PMID: 37099178 PMCID: PMC10567537 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09652-7] [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: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diffusion prepared pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (DP-pCASL) is a newly proposed MRI method to noninvasively measure the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We aim to investigate whether the water exchange rate across the BBB, estimated with DP-pCASL, is changed in patients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), and to analyze the association between the BBB water exchange rate and MRI/clinical features of these patients. METHODS Forty-one patients with CADASIL and thirty-six age- and sex-matched controls were scanned with DP-pCASL MRI to estimate the BBB water exchange rate (kw). The MRI lesion burden, the modified Rankin scale (mRS), and the neuropsychological scales were also examined. The association between kw and MRI/clinical features was analyzed. RESULTS Compared with that in the controls, kw in patients with CADASIL was decreased at normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) (t = - 4.742, p < 0.001), cortical gray matter (t = - 5.137, p < 0.001), and deep gray matter (t = - 3.552, p = 0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, and arterial transit time, kw at NAWM was negatively associated with the volume of white matter hyperintensities (β = - 0.754, p = 0.001), whereas decreased kw at NAWM was independently associated with an increased risk of abnormal mRS scale (OR = 1.058, 95% CI: 1.013-1.106, p = 0.011) in these patients. CONCLUSIONS This study found that the BBB water exchange rate was decreased in patients with CADASIL. The decreased BBB water exchange rate was associated with an increased MRI lesion burden and functional dependence of the patients, suggesting the involvement of BBB dysfunction in the pathogenesis of CADASIL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT DP-pCASL reveals BBB dysfunction in patients with CADASIL. The decreased BBB water exchange rate is associated with MRI lesion burden and functional dependence, indicating the potential of DP-pCASL as an evaluation method for disease severity. KEY POINTS • DP-pCASL reveals blood-brain barrier dysfunction in patients with CADASIL. • Decreased BBB water exchange rate, an indicator of BBB dysfunction detected by DP-pCASL, was associated with MRI/clinical features of patients with CADASIL. • DP-pCASL can be used as an evaluation method to assess the severity of disease in patients with CADASIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ling
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - Jinyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Beijing MR Center for Brain Research, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingfeng Shao
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California, CA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Li Bai
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Beijing MR Center for Brain Research, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunchuang Sun
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Beijing MR Center for Brain Research, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Beijing MR Center for Brain Research, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Key Lab of Medical Engineering for Cardiovascular Disease, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Zihao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Beijing MR Center for Brain Research, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Danny J J Wang
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California, CA, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California, CA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Yun Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China.
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11
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Powell E, Ohene Y, Battiston M, Dickie BR, Parkes LM, Parker GJM. Blood-brain barrier water exchange measurements using FEXI: Impact of modeling paradigm and relaxation time effects. Magn Reson Med 2023; 90:34-50. [PMID: 36892973 PMCID: PMC10962589 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29616] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate potential modeling paradigms and the impact of relaxation time effects on human blood-brain barrier (BBB) water exchange measurements using FEXI (BBB-FEXI), and to quantify the accuracy, precision, and repeatability of BBB-FEXI exchange rate estimates at 3 T $$ \mathrm{T} $$ . METHODS Three modeling paradigms were evaluated: (i) the apparent exchange rate (AXR) model; (ii) a two-compartment model (2 CM $$ 2\mathrm{CM} $$ ) explicitly representing intra- and extravascular signal components, and (iii) a two-compartment model additionally accounting for finite compartmentalT 1 $$ {\mathrm{T}}_1 $$ andT 2 $$ {\mathrm{T}}_2 $$ relaxation times (2 CM r $$ 2{\mathrm{CM}}_r $$ ). Each model had three free parameters. Simulations quantified biases introduced by the assumption of infinite relaxation times in the AXR and2 CM $$ 2\mathrm{CM} $$ models, as well as the accuracy and precision of all three models. The scan-rescan repeatability of all paradigms was quantified for the first time in vivo in 10 healthy volunteers (age range 23-52 years; five female). RESULTS The assumption of infinite relaxation times yielded exchange rate errors in simulations up to 42%/14% in the AXR/2 CM $$ 2\mathrm{CM} $$ models, respectively. Accuracy was highest in the compartmental models; precision was best in the AXR model. Scan-rescan repeatability in vivo was good for all models, with negligible bias and repeatability coefficients in grey matter ofRC AXR = 0 . 43 $$ {\mathrm{RC}}_{\mathrm{AXR}}=0.43 $$ s - 1 $$ {\mathrm{s}}^{-1} $$ ,RC 2 CM = 0 . 51 $$ {\mathrm{RC}}_{2\mathrm{CM}}=0.51 $$ s - 1 $$ {\mathrm{s}}^{-1} $$ , andRC 2 CM r = 0 . 61 $$ {\mathrm{RC}}_{2{\mathrm{CM}}_r}=0.61 $$ s - 1 $$ {\mathrm{s}}^{-1} $$ . CONCLUSION Compartmental modelling of BBB-FEXI signals can provide accurate and repeatable measurements of BBB water exchange; however, relaxation time and partial volume effects may cause model-dependent biases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Powell
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Yolanda Ohene
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Marco Battiston
- Queen Square MS CentreUCL Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Ben R. Dickie
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data SciencesSchool of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Laura M. Parkes
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Geoff J. M. Parker
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Queen Square MS CentreUCL Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
- Bioxydyn LimitedManchesterUK
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12
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Shao X, Zhao C, Shou Q, St Lawrence KS, Wang DJJ. Quantification of blood-brain barrier water exchange and permeability with multidelay diffusion-weighted pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling. Magn Reson Med 2023; 89:1990-2004. [PMID: 36622951 PMCID: PMC10079266 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To present a pulse sequence and mathematical models for quantification of blood-brain barrier water exchange and permeability. METHODS Motion-compensated diffusion-weighted (MCDW) gradient-and-spin echo (GRASE) pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) sequence was proposed to acquire intravascular/extravascular perfusion signals from five postlabeling delays (PLDs, 1590-2790 ms). Experiments were performed on 11 healthy subjects at 3 T. A comprehensive set of perfusion and permeability parameters including cerebral blood flow (CBF), capillary transit time (τc ), and water exchange rate (kw ) were quantified, and permeability surface area product (PSw ), total extraction fraction (Ew ), and capillary volume (Vc ) were derived simultaneously by a three-compartment single-pass approximation (SPA) model on group-averaged data. With information (i.e., Vc and τc ) obtained from three-compartment SPA modeling, a simplified linear regression of logarithm (LRL) approach was proposed for individual kw quantification, and Ew and PSw can be estimated from long PLD (2490/2790 ms) signals. MCDW-pCASL was compared with a previously developed diffusion-prepared (DP) pCASL sequence, which calculates kw by a two-compartment SPA model from PLD = 1800 ms signals, to evaluate the improvements. RESULTS Using three-compartment SPA modeling, group-averaged CBF = 51.5/36.8 ml/100 g/min, kw = 126.3/106.7 min-1 , PSw = 151.6/93.8 ml/100 g/min, Ew = 94.7/92.2%, τc = 1409.2/1431.8 ms, and Vc = 1.2/0.9 ml/100 g in gray/white matter, respectively. Temporal SNR of MCDW-pCASL perfusion signals increased 3-fold, and individual kw maps calculated by the LRL method achieved higher spatial resolution (3.5 mm3 isotropic) as compared with DP pCASL (3.5 × 3.5 × 8 mm3 ). CONCLUSION MCDW-pCASL allows visualization of intravascular/extravascular ASL signals across multiple PLDs. The three-compartment SPA model provides a comprehensive measurement of blood-brain barrier water dynamics from group-averaged data, and a simplified LRL method was proposed for individual kw quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfeng Shao
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Qinyang Shou
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keith S St Lawrence
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danny JJ Wang
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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13
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Li Z, Wang Z, Cheng J, Bai X, Hsu YC, Sun Y, Li S, Shi J, Sui B, Bai R. Vascular-water-exchange MRI (VEXI) enables the detection of subtle AXR alterations in Alzheimer's disease without MRI contrast agent, which may relate to BBB integrity. Neuroimage 2023; 270:119951. [PMID: 36805091 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.119951] [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] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment is an important pathophysiological process in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of AD. However, most current neuroimaging methods assessing BBB function need the injection of exogenous contrast agents (or tracers), which limits the application of these methods in a large population. In this study, we aim to explore the feasibility of vascular water exchange MRI (VEXI), a diffusion-MRI-based method proposed to assess the BBB permeability to water molecules without using a contrast agent, in the detection of the BBB breakdown in AD. We tested VEXI on a 3T MRI scanner on three groups: AD patients (AD group), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients due to AD (MCI group), and the age-matched normal cognition subjects (NC group). Interestingly, we find that the apparent water exchange across the BBB (AXRBBB) measured by VEXI shows higher values in MCI compared with NC, and this higher AXRBBB happens specifically in the hippocampus. This increase in AXRBBB value gets larger and extends to more brain regions (medial orbital frontal cortex and thalamus) from MCI group to the AD group. Furthermore, we find that the AXRBBB values of these three regions is correlated significantly with the impairment of respective cognitive domains independent of age, sex and education. These results suggest VEXI is a promising method to assess the BBB breakdown in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Shaw Hospital AND Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqing Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Shaw Hospital AND Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zejun Wang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Shaw Hospital AND Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juange Cheng
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Shaw Hospital AND Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Bai
- Tiantan Neuroimaging Center of Excellence, China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China; Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Cheng Hsu
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Sun
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiping Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiong Shi
- National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Binbin Sui
- National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ruiliang Bai
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Shaw Hospital AND Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University.
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14
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Ohene Y, Harris WJ, Powell E, Wycech NW, Smethers KF, Lasič S, South K, Coutts G, Sharp A, Lawrence CB, Boutin H, Parker GJM, Parkes LM, Dickie BR. Filter exchange imaging with crusher gradient modelling detects increased blood-brain barrier water permeability in response to mild lung infection. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:25. [PMID: 37013549 PMCID: PMC10071630 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00422-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction occurs in many brain diseases, and there is increasing evidence to suggest that it is an early process in dementia which may be exacerbated by peripheral infection. Filter-exchange imaging (FEXI) is an MRI technique for measuring trans-membrane water exchange. FEXI data is typically analysed using the apparent exchange rate (AXR) model, yielding estimates of the AXR. Crusher gradients are commonly used to remove unwanted coherence pathways arising from longitudinal storage pulses during the mixing period. We first demonstrate that when using thin slices, as is needed for imaging the rodent brain, crusher gradients result in underestimation of the AXR. To address this, we propose an extended crusher-compensated exchange rate (CCXR) model to account for diffusion-weighting introduced by the crusher gradients, which is able to recover ground truth values of BBB water exchange (kin) in simulated data. When applied to the rat brain, kin estimates obtained using the CCXR model were 3.10 s-1 and 3.49 s-1 compared to AXR estimates of 1.24 s-1 and 0.49 s-1 for slice thicknesses of 4.0 mm and 2.5 mm respectively. We then validated our approach using a clinically relevant Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection. We observed a significant 70 ± 10% increase in BBB water exchange in rats during active infection (kin = 3.78 ± 0.42 s-1) compared to before infection (kin = 2.72 ± 0.30 s-1; p = 0.02). The BBB water exchange rate during infection was associated with higher levels of plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF), a marker of acute vascular inflammation. We also observed 42% higher expression of perivascular aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in infected animals compared to non-infected controls, while levels of tight junction proteins remain consistent between groups. In summary, we propose a modelling approach for FEXI data which removes the bias in estimated water-exchange rates associated with the use of crusher gradients. Using this approach, we demonstrate the impact of peripheral infection on BBB water exchange, which appears to be mediated by endothelial dysfunction and associated with an increase in perivascular AQP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Ohene
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - William J Harris
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Powell
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering and Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL, London, UK
| | - Nina W Wycech
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine F Smethers
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Samo Lasič
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Random Walk Imaging, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kieron South
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Graham Coutts
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Sharp
- Evotec (UK) Ltd., Alderley Park, Block 23F, Mereside, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Catherine B Lawrence
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Hervé Boutin
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Geoff J M Parker
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering and Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL, London, UK
- Bioxydyn Limited, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura M Parkes
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ben R Dickie
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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15
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Schreiber S, Bernal J, Arndt P, Schreiber F, Müller P, Morton L, Braun-Dullaeus RC, Valdés-Hernández MDC, Duarte R, Wardlaw JM, Meuth SG, Mietzner G, Vielhaber S, Dunay IR, Dityatev A, Jandke S, Mattern H. Brain Vascular Health in ALS Is Mediated through Motor Cortex Microvascular Integrity. Cells 2023; 12:957. [PMID: 36980297 PMCID: PMC10047140 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060957] [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] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain vascular health appears to be critical for preventing the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and slowing its progression. ALS patients often demonstrate cardiovascular risk factors and commonly suffer from cerebrovascular disease, with evidence of pathological alterations in their small cerebral blood vessels. Impaired vascular brain health has detrimental effects on motor neurons: vascular endothelial growth factor levels are lowered in ALS, which can compromise endothelial cell formation and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Increased turnover of neurovascular unit cells precedes their senescence, which, together with pericyte alterations, further fosters the failure of toxic metabolite removal. We here provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis of impaired brain vascular health in ALS and how novel magnetic resonance imaging techniques can aid its detection. In particular, we discuss vascular patterns of blood supply to the motor cortex with the number of branches from the anterior and middle cerebral arteries acting as a novel marker of resistance and resilience against downstream effects of vascular risk and events in ALS. We outline how certain interventions adapted to patient needs and capabilities have the potential to mechanistically target the brain microvasculature towards favorable motor cortex blood supply patterns. Through this strategy, we aim to guide novel approaches to ALS management and a better understanding of ALS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jose Bernal
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Arndt
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Müller
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology and Angiology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lorena Morton
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Roberto Duarte
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, UK Dementia Research Institute Centre, Edinburgh EH16 4UX, UK
| | - Joanna Marguerite Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, UK Dementia Research Institute Centre, Edinburgh EH16 4UX, UK
| | - Sven Günther Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Grazia Mietzner
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ildiko Rita Dunay
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Dityatev
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Solveig Jandke
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Mattern
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within the Helmholtz Association, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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16
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Lee RL, Funk KE. Imaging blood–brain barrier disruption in neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1144036. [PMID: 37009464 PMCID: PMC10063921 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1144036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is the neurovascular structure that regulates the passage of cells and molecules to and from the central nervous system (CNS). Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with gradual breakdown of the BBB, permitting entry of plasma-derived neurotoxins, inflammatory cells, and microbial pathogens into the CNS. BBB permeability can be visualized directly in AD patients using imaging technologies including dynamic contrast-enhanced and arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging, and recent studies employing these techniques have shown that subtle changes in BBB stability occur prior to deposition of the pathological hallmarks of AD, senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles. These studies suggest that BBB disruption may be useful as an early diagnostic marker; however, AD is also accompanied by neuroinflammation, which can complicate these analyses. This review will outline the structural and functional changes to the BBB that occur during AD pathogenesis and highlight current imaging technologies that can detect these subtle changes. Advancing these technologies will improve both the diagnosis and treatment of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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17
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Jia Y, Xu S, Han G, Wang B, Wang Z, Lan C, Zhao P, Gao M, Zhang Y, Jiang W, Qiu B, Liu R, Hsu YC, Sun Y, Liu C, Liu Y, Bai R. Transmembrane water-efflux rate measured by magnetic resonance imaging as a biomarker of the expression of aquaporin-4 in gliomas. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:236-252. [PMID: 36376487 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00960-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The water-selective channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) contributes to the migration and proliferation of gliomas, and to their resistance to therapy. Here we show, in glioma cell cultures, in subcutaneous and orthotopic gliomas in rats, and in glioma tumours in patients, that transmembrane water-efflux rate is a sensitive biomarker of AQP4 expression and can be measured via conventional dynamic-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Water-efflux rates correlated with stages of glioma proliferation as well as with changes in the heterogeneity of intra-tumoural and inter-tumoural AQP4 in rodent and human gliomas following treatment with temozolomide and with the AQP4 inhibitor TGN020. Regions with low water-efflux rates contained higher fractions of stem-like slow-cycling cells and therapy-resistant cells, suggesting that maps of water-efflux rates could be used to identify gliomas that are resistant to therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhang Jia
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital AND Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shangchen Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Guangxu Han
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bao Wang
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zejun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuanjin Lan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenhong Jiang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Biying Qiu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Cheng Hsu
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Sun
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Liu
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingchao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
- Shandong National Center for Applied Mathematics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Ruiliang Bai
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital AND Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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18
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Wei Z, Liu H, Lin Z, Yao M, Li R, Liu C, Li Y, Xu J, Duan W, Lu H. Non-contrast assessment of blood-brain barrier permeability to water in mice: An arterial spin labeling study at cerebral veins. Neuroimage 2023; 268:119870. [PMID: 36640948 PMCID: PMC9908858 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.119870] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a critical role in protecting the brain from toxins and pathogens. However, in vivo tools to assess BBB permeability are scarce and often require the use of exogenous contrast agents. In this study, we aimed to develop a non-contrast arterial-spin-labeling (ASL) based MRI technique to estimate BBB permeability to water in mice. By determining the relative fraction of labeled water spins that were exchanged into the brain tissue as opposed to those that remained in the cerebral veins, we estimated indices of global BBB permeability to water including water extraction fraction (E) and permeability surface-area product (PS). First, using multiple post-labeling delay ASL experiments, we estimated the bolus arrival time (BAT) of the labeled spins to reach the great vein of Galen (VG) to be 691.2 ± 14.5 ms (N = 5). Next, we investigated the dependence of the VG ASL signal on labeling duration and identified an optimal imaging protocol with a labeling duration of 1200 ms and a PLD of 100 ms. Quantitative E and PS values in wild-type mice were found to be 59.9 ± 3.2% and 260.9 ± 18.9 ml/100 g/min, respectively. In contrast, mice with Huntington's disease (HD) revealed a significantly higher E (69.7 ± 2.4%, P = 0.026) and PS (318.1 ± 17.1 ml/100 g/min, P = 0.040), suggesting BBB breakdown in this mouse model. Reproducibility studies revealed a coefficient-of-variation (CoV) of 4.9 ± 1.7% and 6.1 ± 1.2% for E and PS, respectively. The proposed method may open new avenues for preclinical research on pathophysiological mechanisms of brain diseases and therapeutic trials in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiliang Wei
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600N. Wolfe Street, Park 326, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Hongshuai Liu
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, CMSC 8-121, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Zixuan Lin
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600N. Wolfe Street, Park 326, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Minmin Yao
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, CMSC 8-121, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ruoxuan Li
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, CMSC 8-121, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, CMSC 8-121, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yuguo Li
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600N. Wolfe Street, Park 326, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiadi Xu
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600N. Wolfe Street, Park 326, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wenzhen Duan
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, CMSC 8-121, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Hanzhang Lu
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600N. Wolfe Street, Park 326, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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19
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Harris WJ, Asselin MC, Hinz R, Parkes LM, Allan S, Schiessl I, Boutin H, Dickie BR. In vivo methods for imaging blood-brain barrier function and dysfunction. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2023; 50:1051-1083. [PMID: 36437425 PMCID: PMC9931809 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05997-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the interface between the central nervous system and systemic circulation. It tightly regulates what enters and is removed from the brain parenchyma and is fundamental in maintaining brain homeostasis. Increasingly, the BBB is recognised as having a significant role in numerous neurological disorders, ranging from acute disorders (traumatic brain injury, stroke, seizures) to chronic neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, small vessel disease). Numerous approaches have been developed to study the BBB in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo. The complex multicellular structure and effects of disease are difficult to recreate accurately in vitro, and functional aspects of the BBB cannot be easily studied ex vivo. As such, the value of in vivo methods to study the intact BBB cannot be overstated. This review discusses the structure and function of the BBB and how these are affected in diseases. It then discusses in depth several established and novel methods for imaging the BBB in vivo, with a focus on MRI, nuclear imaging, and high-resolution intravital fluorescence microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- William James Harris
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance & University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
| | - Marie-Claude Asselin
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rainer Hinz
- Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura Michelle Parkes
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance & University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
| | - Stuart Allan
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance & University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
| | - Ingo Schiessl
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance & University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
| | - Herve Boutin
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance & University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK.
- Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Ben Robert Dickie
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance & University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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20
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Uchida Y, Kan H, Sakurai K, Oishi K, Matsukawa N. Contributions of blood-brain barrier imaging to neurovascular unit pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1111448. [PMID: 36861122 PMCID: PMC9969807 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1111448] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays important roles in the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Its main role includes three kinds of functions: (1) to protect the central nervous system from blood-borne toxins and pathogens; (2) to regulate the exchange of substances between the brain parenchyma and capillaries; and (3) to clear metabolic waste and other neurotoxic compounds from the central nervous system into meningeal lymphatics and systemic circulation. Physiologically, the BBB belongs to the glymphatic system and the intramural periarterial drainage pathway, both of which are involved in clearing interstitial solutes such as β-amyloid proteins. Thus, the BBB is believed to contribute to preventing the onset and progression for Alzheimer's disease. Measurements of BBB function are essential toward a better understanding of Alzheimer's pathophysiology to establish novel imaging biomarkers and open new avenues of interventions for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The visualization techniques for capillary, cerebrospinal, and interstitial fluid dynamics around the neurovascular unit in living human brains have been enthusiastically developed. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent BBB imaging developments using advanced magnetic resonance imaging technologies in relation to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. First, we give an overview of the relationship between Alzheimer's pathophysiology and BBB dysfunction. Second, we provide a brief description about the principles of non-contrast agent-based and contrast agent-based BBB imaging methodologies. Third, we summarize previous studies that have reported the findings of each BBB imaging method in individuals with the Alzheimer's disease continuum. Fourth, we introduce a wide range of Alzheimer's pathophysiology in relation to BBB imaging technologies to advance our understanding of the fluid dynamics around the BBB in both clinical and preclinical settings. Finally, we discuss the challenges of BBB imaging techniques and suggest future directions toward clinically useful imaging biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuto Uchida
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Yuto Uchida, ; Noriyuki Matsukawa,
| | - Hirohito Kan
- Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keita Sakurai
- Department of Radiology, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Ōbu, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kenichi Oishi
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Noriyuki Matsukawa
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan,*Correspondence: Yuto Uchida, ; Noriyuki Matsukawa,
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21
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Labriji W, Clauzel J, Mestas JL, Lafond M, Lafon C, Salabert AS, Hirschler L, Warnking JM, Barbier EL, Loubinoux I, Desmoulin F. Evidence of cerebral hypoperfusion consecutive to ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier opening in rats. Magn Reson Med 2023; 89:2281-2294. [PMID: 36688262 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29596] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This work aims to explore the effect of Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) opening using ultrasound combined with microbubbles injection on cerebral blood flow in rats. METHODS Two groups of n = 5 rats were included in this study. The first group was used to investigate the impact of BBB opening on the Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) signal, in particular on the arterial transit time (ATT). The second group was used to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of the change in cerebral blood flow (CBF) over time following BBB opening and validate these results using DSC-MRI. RESULTS Using pCASL, a decrease in CBF of up to 29 . 6 ± 15 . 1 % $$ 29.6\pm 15.1\% $$ was observed in the target hemisphere, associated with an increase in arterial transit time. The latter was estimated to be 533 ± 121ms $$ 533\pm 12\mathrm{1ms} $$ in the BBB opening impacted regions against 409 ± 93ms $$ 409\pm 93\mathrm{ms} $$ in the contralateral hemisphere. The spatio-temporal analysis of CBF maps indicated a nonlocal hypoperfusion. DSC-MRI measurements were consistent with the obtained results. CONCLUSION This study provided strong evidence that BBB opening using microbubble intravenous injection induces a transient hypoperfusion. A spatiotemporal analysis of the hypoperfusion changes allows to establish some points of similarity with the cortical spreading depression phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafae Labriji
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Julien Clauzel
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mestas
- LabTAU, INSERM, Centre Léon Bérard, Université Lyon 1, Univ Lyon, F-69003, Lyon, France
| | - Maxime Lafond
- LabTAU, INSERM, Centre Léon Bérard, Université Lyon 1, Univ Lyon, F-69003, Lyon, France
| | - Cyril Lafon
- LabTAU, INSERM, Centre Léon Bérard, Université Lyon 1, Univ Lyon, F-69003, Lyon, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Salabert
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France.,Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Lydiane Hirschler
- Department of Radiology, C. J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan M Warnking
- U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, Grenoble, France
| | - Emmanuel L Barbier
- U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Loubinoux
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Franck Desmoulin
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France.,CREFRE-Anexplo, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, UPS, ENVT, Toulouse, France
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22
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Moyaert P, Padrela BE, Morgan CA, Petr J, Versijpt J, Barkhof F, Jurkiewicz MT, Shao X, Oyeniran O, Manson T, Wang DJJ, Günther M, Achten E, Mutsaerts HJMM, Anazodo UC. Imaging blood-brain barrier dysfunction: A state-of-the-art review from a clinical perspective. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1132077. [PMID: 37139088 PMCID: PMC10150073 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1132077] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) consists of specialized cells that tightly regulate the in- and outflow of molecules from the blood to brain parenchyma, protecting the brain's microenvironment. If one of the BBB components starts to fail, its dysfunction can lead to a cascade of neuroinflammatory events leading to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. Preliminary imaging findings suggest that BBB dysfunction could serve as an early diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for a number of neurological diseases. This review aims to provide clinicians with an overview of the emerging field of BBB imaging in humans by answering three key questions: (1. Disease) In which diseases could BBB imaging be useful? (2. Device) What are currently available imaging methods for evaluating BBB integrity? And (3. Distribution) what is the potential of BBB imaging in different environments, particularly in resource limited settings? We conclude that further advances are needed, such as the validation, standardization and implementation of readily available, low-cost and non-contrast BBB imaging techniques, for BBB imaging to be a useful clinical biomarker in both resource-limited and well-resourced settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien Moyaert
- Department of Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Paulien Moyaert,
| | - Beatriz E. Padrela
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain Imaging, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Catherine A. Morgan
- School of Psychology and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Advanced MRI, Auckland UniServices Limited, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jan Petr
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain Imaging, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Versijpt
- Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain Imaging, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology and Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Xingfeng Shao
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Olujide Oyeniran
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Tabitha Manson
- Centre for Advanced MRI, Auckland UniServices Limited, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Danny J. J. Wang
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matthias Günther
- Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Eric Achten
- Department of Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Henk J. M. M. Mutsaerts
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain Imaging, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Udunna C. Anazodo
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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23
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Pfaffenrot V, Koopmans PJ. Magnetization transfer weighted laminar fMRI with multi-echo FLASH. Neuroimage 2022; 264:119725. [PMID: 36328273 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119725] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminar functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using the gradient echo (GRE) blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast is prone to signal changes arising from large unspecific venous vessels. Alternatives based on changes of cerebral blood volume (CBV) become more popular since it is expected that this hemodynamic response is dominant in microvasculature. One approach to sensitize the signal toward changes in CBV, and to simultaneously reduce unwanted extravascular (EV) BOLD blurring, is to selectively reduce gray matter (GM) signal via magnetization transfer (MT). In this work, we use off-resonant MT-pulses with a 3D FLASH readout to perform MT-prepared (MT-prep) laminar fMRI of the primary visual cortex (V1) at multiple echo times at 7 T. With a GRE-BOLD contrast without additional MT-weighting as reference, we investigated the influence of the MT-preparation on the shape and the echo time dependency of laminar profiles. Through numerical simulations, we optimized the sequence parameters to increase the sensitivity toward signal changes induced by changes in arterial CBV and to delineate the contributions of different compartments to the signal. We show that at 7 T, GM signals can be reduced by 30 %. Our laminar fMRI responses exhibit an increased signal change in the parenchyma at very short TE compared to a BOLD-only reference as a result of reduced EV signal intensity. By varying echo times, we could show that MT-prep results in less sensitivity toward unwanted signal changes based on changes in T2*. We conclude that when accounting for nuclear overhauser enhancement effects in blood, off-resonant MT-prep combined with efficient short TE readouts can become a promising method to reduce unwanted EV venous contributions in GRE-BOLD and/or to allow scanning at much shorter echo times without incurring a sensitivity penalty in laminar fMRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Pfaffenrot
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany; High Field and Hybrid MR Imaging, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany.
| | - Peter J Koopmans
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany; High Field and Hybrid MR Imaging, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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24
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Lin Z, Jiang D, Liu P, Ge Y, Moghekar A, Lu H. Blood-brain barrier permeability in response to caffeine challenge. Magn Reson Med 2022; 88:2259-2266. [PMID: 35754146 PMCID: PMC9420773 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Caffeine is known to alter brain perfusion by acting as an adenosine antagonist, but its effect on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to dynamically monitor BBB permeability to water after a single dose of caffeine tablet using a non-contrast MRI technique. METHODS Ten young healthy volunteers who were not regular coffee drinkers were studied. The experiment began with a pre-caffeine measurement, followed by four measurements at the post-caffeine stage. Water-extraction-with-phase-contrast-arterial-spin-tagging (WEPCAST) MRI was used to assess the time dependence of BBB permeability to water following the ingestion of 200 mg caffeine. Other cerebral physiological parameters including cerebral blood flow (CBF), venous oxygenation (Yv ), and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2 ) were also examined. The relationships between cerebral physiological parameters and time were studied with mixed-effect models. RESULTS It was found that, after caffeine ingestion, CBF and Yv showed a time-dependent decrease (p < 0.001), while CMRO2 did not change significantly. The fraction of arterial water crossing the BBB (E) showed a significant increase (p < 0.001). In contrast, the permeability-surface-area product (PS), i.e., BBB permeability to water, remained constant (p = 0.94). Additionally, it was observed that changes in physiological parameters were non-linear with regard to time and occurred at as early as 9 min after caffeine tablet ingestion. CONCLUSION These results suggest an unchanged BBB permeability despite alterations in perfusion during a vasoconstrictive caffeine challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Lin
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dengrong Jiang
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Peiying Liu
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yulin Ge
- Department of Radiology, New York University, NY, USA
| | - Abhay Moghekar
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanzhang Lu
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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25
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Dickie BR, Jin T, Wang P, Hinz R, Harris W, Boutin H, Parker GJ, Parkes LM, Matthews JC. Quantitative kinetic modelling and mapping of cerebral glucose transport and metabolism using glucoCESL MRI. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:2066-2079. [PMID: 35748031 PMCID: PMC9580170 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221108841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chemical-exchange spin-lock (CESL) MRI can map regional uptake and utilisation of glucose in the brain at high spatial resolution (i.e sub 0.2 mm3 voxels). We propose two quantitative kinetic models to describe glucose-induced changes in tissue R1ρ and apply them to glucoCESL MRI data acquired in tumour-bearing and healthy rats. When assuming glucose transport is saturable, the maximal transport capacity (Tmax) measured in normal tissue was 3.2 ± 0.6 µmol/min/mL, the half saturation constant (Kt) was 8.8 ± 2.2 mM, the metabolic rate of glucose consumption (MRglc) was 0.21 ± 0.13 µmol/min/mL, and the cerebral blood volume (vb) was 0.006 ± 0.005 mL/mL. Values in tumour were: Tmax = 7.1 ± 2.7 µmol/min/mL, Kt = 14 ± 1.7 mM, MRglc = 0.22 ± 0.09 µmol/min/mL, vb = 0.030 ± 0.035 mL/mL. Tmax and Kt were significantly higher in tumour tissue than normal tissue (p = 0.006 and p = 0.011, respectively). When assuming glucose uptake also occurs via free diffusion, the free diffusion rate (kd) was 0.061 ± 0.017 mL/min/mL in normal tissue and 0.12 ± 0.042 mL/min/mL in tumour. These parameter estimates agree well with literature values obtained using other approaches (e.g. NMR spectroscopy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben R Dickie
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Tao Jin
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rainer Hinz
- Division of Informatics, Imaging, and Data Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - William Harris
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Hervé Boutin
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Geoff Jm Parker
- Bioxydyn Limited, Manchester, UK.,Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering and Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Laura M Parkes
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Julian C Matthews
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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26
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Tippett LJ, Cawston EE, Morgan CA, Melzer TR, Brickell KL, Ilse C, Cheung G, Kirk IJ, Roberts RP, Govender J, Griner L, Le Heron C, Buchanan S, Port W, Dudley M, Anderson TJ, Williams JM, Cutfield NJ, Dalrymple-Alford JC, Wood P. Dementia Prevention Research Clinic: a longitudinal study investigating factors influencing the development of Alzheimer’s disease in Aotearoa, New Zealand. J R Soc N Z 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2022.2098780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lynette J. Tippett
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Erin E. Cawston
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Catherine A. Morgan
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tracy R. Melzer
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Kiri L. Brickell
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Christina Ilse
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Gary Cheung
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ian J. Kirk
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Reece P. Roberts
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jane Govender
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Leon Griner
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Campbell Le Heron
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Dept of Neurology, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Buchanan
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- Department of Neurology, Southern District Health Board, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Waiora Port
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Makarena Dudley
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tim J. Anderson
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Dept of Neurology, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Joanna M. Williams
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas J. Cutfield
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- Department of Neurology, Southern District Health Board, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - John C. Dalrymple-Alford
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Phil Wood
- NZ-Dementia Prevention Research Clinic, New Zealand
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Ministry of Health, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Older Adults and Home Health, Waitemata District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Dunedin, New Zealand
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27
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Yu L, Hu X, Li H, Zhao Y. Perivascular Spaces, Glymphatic System and MR. Front Neurol 2022; 13:844938. [PMID: 35592469 PMCID: PMC9110928 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.844938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of the perivascular space (PVS) as one of the imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) has been widely appreciated by the neuroradiologists. The PVS surrounds the small blood vessels in the brain and has a signal consistent with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on MR. In a variety of physio-pathological statuses, the PVS may expand. The discovery of the cerebral glymphatic system has provided a revolutionary perspective to elucidate its pathophysiological mechanisms. Research on the function and pathogenesis of this system has become a prevalent topic among neuroradiologists. It is now believed that this system carries out the similar functions as the lymphatic system in other parts of the body and plays an important role in the removal of metabolic waste and the maintenance of homeostatic fluid circulation in the brain. In this article, we will briefly describe the composition of the cerebral glymphatic system, the influencing factors, the MR manifestations of the PVS and the related imaging technological advances. The aim of this research is to provide a reference for future clinical studies of the PVS and glymphatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linya Yu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Hu
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Haitao Li
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Haitao Li
| | - Yilei Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yilei Zhao
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28
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van Dinther M, Voorter PH, Jansen JF, Jones EA, van Oostenbrugge RJ, Staals J, Backes WH. Assessment of microvascular rarefaction in human brain disorders using physiological magnetic resonance imaging. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:718-737. [PMID: 35078344 PMCID: PMC9014687 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221076557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral microvascular rarefaction, the reduction in number of functional or structural small blood vessels in the brain, is thought to play an important role in the early stages of microvascular related brain disorders. A better understanding of its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and methods to measure microvascular density in the human brain are needed to develop biomarkers for early diagnosis and to identify targets for disease modifying treatments. Therefore, we provide an overview of the assumed main pathophysiological processes underlying cerebral microvascular rarefaction and the evidence for rarefaction in several microvascular related brain disorders. A number of advanced physiological MRI techniques can be used to measure the pathological alterations associated with microvascular rarefaction. Although more research is needed to explore and validate these MRI techniques in microvascular rarefaction in brain disorders, they provide a set of promising future tools to assess various features relevant for rarefaction, such as cerebral blood flow and volume, vessel density and radius and blood-brain barrier leakage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud van Dinther
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands.,CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Paulien Hm Voorter
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands.,MHeNs - School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobus Fa Jansen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands.,MHeNs - School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | | | - Robert J van Oostenbrugge
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands.,CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.,MHeNs - School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Julie Staals
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands.,CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Walter H Backes
- CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands.,MHeNs - School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
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29
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Ford JN, Zhang Q, Sweeney EM, Merkler AE, de Leon MJ, Gupta A, Nguyen TD, Ivanidze J. Quantitative Water Permeability Mapping of Blood-Brain-Barrier Dysfunction in Aging. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:867452. [PMID: 35462701 PMCID: PMC9024318 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.867452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain-barrier (BBB) dysfunction is a hallmark of aging and aging-related disorders, including cerebral small vessel disease and Alzheimer's disease. An emerging biomarker of BBB dysfunction is BBB water exchange rate (kW) as measured by diffusion-weighted arterial spin labeling (DW-ASL) MRI. We developed an improved DW-ASL sequence for Quantitative Permeability Mapping and evaluated whole brain and region-specific kW in a cohort of 30 adults without dementia across the age spectrum. In this cross-sectional study, we found higher kW values in the cerebral cortex (mean = 81.51 min-1, SD = 15.54) compared to cerebral white matter (mean = 75.19 min-1, SD = 13.85) (p < 0.0001). We found a similar relationship for cerebral blood flow (CBF), concordant with previously published studies. Multiple linear regression analysis with kW as an outcome showed that age was statistically significant in the cerebral cortex (p = 0.013), cerebral white matter (p = 0.033), hippocampi (p = 0.043), orbitofrontal cortices (p = 0.042), and precunei cortices (p = 0.009), after adjusting for sex and number of vascular risk factors. With CBF as an outcome, age was statistically significant only in the cerebral cortex (p = 0.026) and precunei cortices (p = 0.020). We further found moderate negative correlations between white matter hyperintensity (WMH) kW and WMH volume (r = -0.51, p = 0.02), and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and WMH volume (r = -0.44, p = 0.05). This work illuminates the relationship between BBB water exchange and aging and may serve as the basis for BBB-targeted therapies for aging-related brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy N. Ford
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States,Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Qihao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elizabeth M. Sweeney
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Mony J. de Leon
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ajay Gupta
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Thanh D. Nguyen
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jana Ivanidze
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Jana Ivanidze,
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30
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Li AM, Xu J. Cerebrospinal fluid-tissue exchange revealed by phase alternate labeling with null recovery MRI. Magn Reson Med 2022; 87:1207-1217. [PMID: 34799860 PMCID: PMC8794537 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop phase alternate labeling with null recovery (PALAN) MRI methods for the quantification of the water exchange between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and other surrounding tissues in the brain. METHOD In both T1 -PALAN and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)-PALAN MRI methods, the cerebrospinal fluid signal was nulled, whereas the partial recovery of other tissues with shorter T1 (T1 -PALAN) or lower ADC values (ADC-PALAN) was labeled by alternating the phase of pulses. The water exchange was extracted from the difference between the recovery curves of CSF with and without labeling. RESULTS Both T1 -PALAN and ADC-PALAN observed a rapid occurrence of CSF water exchange with the surrounding tissues at 67 ± 56 ms and 13 ± 2 ms transit times, respectively. The T1 and ADC-PALAN signal peaked at 1.5 s. The CSF water exchange was 1153 ± 270 mL/100 mL/min with T1 -PALAN in the third and lateral ventricles, which was higher than 891 ± 60 mL/100 mL/min obtained by ADC-PALAN. T1 -PALAN ∆S values for the rostral and caudal ventricles are 0.015 ± 0.013 and 0.034 ± 0.01 (p = 0.022, n = 5), whereas similar ΔS values in both rostral and caudal lateral ventricles were observed by ADC-PALAN (3.9 ± 1.9 × 10-3 vs 4.4 ± 1.4 × 10-3 ; p = 0.66 and n = 5). CONCLUSION The PALAN methods are suitable tools to study CSF water exchange across different compartments in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Li
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiadi Xu
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA,Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Corresponding Author: Jiadi Xu, Ph.D., Kennedy Krieger Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, , Tel: 443-923-9572, Fax: 443-923-9505
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31
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Stringer MS, Heye AK, Armitage PA, Chappell F, Valdés Hernández MDC, Makin SDJ, Sakka E, Thrippleton MJ, Wardlaw JM. Tracer kinetic assessment of blood-brain barrier leakage and blood volume in cerebral small vessel disease: Associations with disease burden and vascular risk factors. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 32:102883. [PMID: 34911189 PMCID: PMC8607271 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Permeability surface area (PS) was higher, even in normal appearing tissue. PS was higher in patients with more white matter hyperintensities. Tissue damage affecting vascular surface area may affect how we interpret tracer kinetic results.
Subtle blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability increases have been shown in small vessel disease (SVD) using various analysis methods. Following recent consensus recommendations, we used Patlak tracer kinetic analysis, considered optimal in low permeability states, to quantify permeability-surface area product (PS), a BBB leakage estimate, and blood plasma volume (vP) in 201 patients with SVD who underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI scans. We ran multivariable regression models with a quantitative or qualitative metric of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) severity, demographic and vascular risk factors. PS increased with WMH severity in grey (B = 0.15, Confidence Interval (CI): [0.001,0.299], p = 0.049) and normal-appearing white matter (B = 0.015, CI: [−0.008,0.308], p = 0.062). Patients with more severe WMH had lower vP in WMH (B = -0.088, CI: [−0.138,-0.039], p < 0.001), but higher vP in normal-appearing white matter (B = 0.031, CI: [−0.004,0.065], p = 0.082). PS and vP were lower at older ages in WMH, grey and white matter. We conclude higher PS in normal-appearing tissue with more severe WMH suggests impaired BBB integrity beyond visible lesions indicating that the microvasculature is compromised in normal-appearing white matter and WMH. BBB dysfunction is an important mechanism in SVD, but associations with clinical variables are complex and underlying damage affecting vascular surface area may alter interpretation of tracer kinetic results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Stringer
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; UK DRI at the University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna K Heye
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul A Armitage
- Academic Unit of Radiology, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Francesca Chappell
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; UK DRI at the University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maria Del C Valdés Hernández
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; UK DRI at the University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Eleni Sakka
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; UK DRI at the University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael J Thrippleton
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; UK DRI at the University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Joanna M Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; UK DRI at the University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Advances regarding Neuroinflammation Biomarkers with Noninvasive Techniques in Epilepsy. Behav Neurol 2022; 2021:7946252. [PMID: 34976232 PMCID: PMC8716206 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7946252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A rapidly growing body of evidence supports that neuroinflammation plays a major role in epileptogenesis and disease progression. The capacity to identify pathological neuroinflammation in individuals with epilepsy is a crucial step on the timing of anti-inflammatory intervention and patient selection, which will be challenging aspects in future clinical studies. The discovery of noninvasive biomarkers that are accessible in the blood or molecular neuroimaging would facilitate clinical translation of experimental findings into humans. These innovative and noninvasive approaches have the advantage of monitoring the dynamic changes of neuroinflammation in epilepsy. Here, we will review the available evidence for the measurement of neuroinflammation in patients with epilepsy using noninvasive techniques and critically analyze the major scientific challenges of noninvasive methods. Finally, we propose the potential for use in clinical applications.
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Abstract
In the field of neuropsychiatry, neuroinflammation is one of the prevailing hypotheses to explain the pathophysiology of mood and psychotic disorders. Neuroinflammation encompasses an ill-defined set of pathophysiological processes in the central nervous system that cause neuronal or glial atrophy or death and disruptions in neurotransmitter signaling, resulting in cognitive and behavioral changes. Positron emission tomography for the brain-based translocator protein has been shown to be a useful tool to measure glial activation in neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent neuroimaging studies also indicate a potential disruption in the choroid plexus and blood-brain barrier, which modulate the transfer of ions, molecules, toxins, and cells from the periphery into the brain. Simultaneously, peripheral inflammatory markers have consistently been shown to be altered in mood and psychotic disorders. The crosstalk (i.e., the communication between peripheral and central inflammatory pathways) is not well understood in these disorders, however, and neuroimaging studies hold promise to shed light on this complex process. In the current Perspectives article, we discuss the neuroimaging insights into neuroimmune crosstalk offered in selected works. Overall, evidence exists for peripheral immune cell infiltration into the central nervous system in some patients, but the reason for this is unknown. Future neuroimaging studies should aim to extend our knowledge of this system and the role it likely plays in symptom onset and recurrence.
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Szczygielski J, Kopańska M, Wysocka A, Oertel J. Cerebral Microcirculation, Perivascular Unit, and Glymphatic System: Role of Aquaporin-4 as the Gatekeeper for Water Homeostasis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:767470. [PMID: 34966347 PMCID: PMC8710539 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.767470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past, water homeostasis of the brain was understood as a certain quantitative equilibrium of water content between intravascular, interstitial, and intracellular spaces governed mostly by hydrostatic effects i.e., strictly by physical laws. The recent achievements in molecular bioscience have led to substantial changes in this regard. Some new concepts elaborate the idea that all compartments involved in cerebral fluid homeostasis create a functional continuum with an active and precise regulation of fluid exchange between them rather than only serving as separate fluid receptacles with mere passive diffusion mechanisms, based on hydrostatic pressure. According to these concepts, aquaporin-4 (AQP4) plays the central role in cerebral fluid homeostasis, acting as a water channel protein. The AQP4 not only enables water permeability through the blood-brain barrier but also regulates water exchange between perivascular spaces and the rest of the glymphatic system, described as pan-cerebral fluid pathway interlacing macroscopic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces with the interstitial fluid of brain tissue. With regards to this, AQP4 makes water shift strongly dependent on active processes including changes in cerebral microcirculation and autoregulation of brain vessels capacity. In this paper, the role of the AQP4 as the gatekeeper, regulating the water exchange between intracellular space, glymphatic system (including the so-called neurovascular units), and intravascular compartment is reviewed. In addition, the new concepts of brain edema as a misbalance in water homeostasis are critically appraised based on the newly described role of AQP4 for fluid permeation. Finally, the relevance of these hypotheses for clinical conditions (including brain trauma and stroke) and for both new and old therapy concepts are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Szczygielski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland.,Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Marta Kopańska
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Anna Wysocka
- Chair of Internal Medicine and Department of Internal Medicine in Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joachim Oertel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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Mahroo A, Buck MA, Huber J, Breutigam NJ, Mutsaerts HJMM, Craig M, Chappell M, Günther M. Robust Multi-TE ASL-Based Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity Measurements. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:719676. [PMID: 34924924 PMCID: PMC8678075 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.719676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple echo-time arterial spin labelling (multi-TE ASL) offers estimation of blood–tissue exchange dynamics by probing the T2 relaxation of the labelled spins. In this study, we provide a recipe for robust assessment of exchange time (Texch) as a proxy measure of blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity based on a test-retest analysis. This includes a novel scan protocol and an extension of the two-compartment model with an “intra-voxel transit time” (ITT) to address tissue transit effects. With the extended model, we intend to separate the underlying two distinct mechanisms of tissue transit and exchange. The performance of the extended model in comparison with the two-compartment model was evaluated in simulations. Multi-TE ASL sequence with two different bolus durations was used to acquire in vivo data (n = 10). Cerebral blood flow (CBF), arterial transit time (ATT) and Texch were fitted with the two models, and mean grey matter values were compared. Additionally, the extended model also extracted ITT parameter. The test-retest reliability of Texch was assessed for intra-session, inter-session and inter-visit pairs of measurements. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and within-subject coefficient of variance (CoV) for grey matter were computed to assess the precision of the method. Mean grey matter Texch and ITT values were found to be 227.9 ± 37.9 ms and 310.3 ± 52.9 ms, respectively. Texch estimated by the extended model was 32.6 ± 5.9% lower than the two-compartment model. A significant ICC was observed for all three measures of Texch reliability (P < 0.05). Texch intra-session CoV, inter-session CoV and inter-visit CoV were found to be 6.6%, 7.9%, and 8.4%, respectively. With the described improvements addressing intra-voxel transit effects, multi-TE ASL shows good reproducibility as a non-invasive measure of BBB permeability. These findings offer an encouraging step forward to apply this potential BBB permeability biomarker in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amnah Mahroo
- MR Physics, Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Mareike Alicja Buck
- MR Physics, Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany.,MR-Imaging and Spectroscopy, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jörn Huber
- MR Physics, Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Henk J M M Mutsaerts
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin Craig
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Chappell
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Günther
- MR Physics, Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany.,MR-Imaging and Spectroscopy, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.,mediri GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
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Gold BT, Shao X, Sudduth TL, Jicha GA, Wilcock DM, Seago ER, Wang DJ. Water exchange rate across the blood-brain barrier is associated with CSF amyloid-β 42 in healthy older adults. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 17:2020-2029. [PMID: 33949773 PMCID: PMC8717840 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We tested if water exchange across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), estimated with a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, is associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and neuropsychological function. METHODS Forty cognitively normal older adults (67-86 years old) were scanned with diffusion-prepared, arterial spin labeling (DP-ASL), which estimates water exchange rate across the BBB (kw ). Participants also underwent CSF draw and neuropsychological testing. Multiple linear regression models were run with kw as a predictor of CSF concentrations and neuropsychological scores. RESULTS In multiple brain regions, BBB kw was positively associated with CSF amyloid beta (Aβ)42 concentration levels. BBB kw was only moderately associated with neuropsychological performance. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that low water exchange rate across the BBB is associated with low CSF Aβ42 concentration. These findings suggest that kw may be a promising noninvasive indicator of BBB Aβ clearance functions, a possibility which should be further tested in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T. Gold
- Department of NeuroscienceSanders‐Brown Center on AgingLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Sanders‐Brown Center on AgingLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy CenterCollege of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Xingfeng Shao
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT)Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics InstituteKeck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Gregory A. Jicha
- Sanders‐Brown Center on AgingLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Department of NeurologySanders‐Brown Center on AgingLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Donna M. Wilcock
- Sanders‐Brown Center on AgingLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Department of PhysiologySanders‐Brown Center on AgingLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Elayna R. Seago
- Department of NeuroscienceSanders‐Brown Center on AgingLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Danny J.J. Wang
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT)Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics InstituteKeck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of NeurologyKeck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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37
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Friedlander Y, Zanette B, Lindenmaier A, Li D, Kadlecek S, Santyr G, Kassner A. Hyperpolarized 129 Xe MRI of the rat brain with chemical shift saturation recovery and spiral-IDEAL readout. Magn Reson Med 2021; 87:1971-1979. [PMID: 34841605 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To demonstrate the feasibility of 129 Xe chemical shift saturation recovery (CSSR) combined with spiral-IDEAL imaging for simultaneous measurement of the time-course of red blood cell (RBC) and brain tissue signals in the rat brain. METHODS Images of both the RBC and brain tissue 129 Xe signals from the brains of five rats were obtained using interleaved spiral-IDEAL imaging following chemical shift saturation pulses applied at multiple CSSR delay times, τ. A linear fit of the signals to τ was used to calculate the slope of the signal for both RBC and brain tissue compartments on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Gas transfer was evaluated by measuring the ratio of the whole brain tissue-to-RBC signal intensities as a function of τ. To investigate the relationship between the CSSR images and gas transfer in the brain, the experiments were repeated during hypercapnic ventilation. RESULTS Hypercapnia, affected the ratio of the tissue-to-RBC signal intensity (p = 0.026), consistent with an increase in gas transfer. CONCLUSION CSSR with spiral-IDEAL imaging is feasible for acquisition of 129 Xe RBC and brain tissue time-course images in the rat brain. Differences in the time-course of the signal intensity ratios are consistent with gas transfer changes expected under hypercapnic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonni Friedlander
- Translational Medicine Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brandon Zanette
- Translational Medicine Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andras Lindenmaier
- Translational Medicine Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Li
- Translational Medicine Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen Kadlecek
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Giles Santyr
- Translational Medicine Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Kassner
- Translational Medicine Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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38
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Wang DJJ, Le Bihan D, Krishnamurthy R, Smith M, Ho ML. Noncontrast Pediatric Brain Perfusion: Arterial Spin Labeling and Intravoxel Incoherent Motion. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2021; 29:493-513. [PMID: 34717841 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging techniques for measuring brain perfusion include arterial spin labeling (ASL) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM). These techniques provide noninvasive and repeatable assessment of cerebral blood flow or cerebral blood volume without the need for intravenous contrast. This article discusses the technical aspects of ASL and IVIM with a focus on normal physiologic variations, technical parameters, and artifacts. Multiple pediatric clinical applications are presented, including tumors, stroke, vasculopathy, vascular malformations, epilepsy, migraine, trauma, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny J J Wang
- USC Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, SHN, 2025 Zonal Avenue, Health Sciences Campus, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Denis Le Bihan
- NeuroSpin, Centre d'études de Saclay, Bâtiment 145, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191, France
| | - Ram Krishnamurthy
- Department of Radiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive - ED4, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Mark Smith
- Department of Radiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive - ED4, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Mai-Lan Ho
- Department of Radiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive - ED4, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
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Dickie BR, Boutin H, Parker GJM, Parkes LM. Alzheimer's disease pathology is associated with earlier alterations to blood-brain barrier water permeability compared with healthy ageing in TgF344-AD rats. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 34:e4510. [PMID: 33723901 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The effects of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and ageing on blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown are investigated in TgF344-AD and wild-type rats aged 13, 18 and 21 months. Permeability surface area products of the BBB to water (PSw ) and gadolinium-based contrast agent (PSg ) were measured in grey matter using multiflip angle multiecho dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. At 13 months of age, there was no significant difference in PSw between TgF344-AD and wild-types (p = 0.82). Between 13 and 18 months, PSw increased in TgF344-AD rats (p = 0.027), but not in wild-types (p = 0.99), leading to significantly higher PSw in TgF344-AD rats at 18 months, as previously reported (p = 0.012). Between 18 and 21 months, PSw values increased in wild-types (p = 0.050), but not in TgF344-AD rats (p = 0.50). These results indicate that BBB water permeability is affected by both AD pathology and ageing, but that changes occur earlier in the presence of AD pathology. There were no significant genotype or ageing effects on PSg (p > 0.05). In conclusion, we detected increases in BBB water permeability with age in TgF344-AD and wild-type rats, and found that changes occurred at an earlier age in rats with AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben R Dickie
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Hervé Boutin
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Geoff J M Parker
- Bioxydyn Ltd, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science and Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Laura M Parkes
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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40
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Manning C, Stringer M, Dickie B, Clancy U, Valdés Hernandez MC, Wiseman SJ, Garcia DJ, Sakka E, Backes WH, Ingrisch M, Chappell F, Doubal F, Buckley C, Parkes LM, Parker GJM, Marshall I, Wardlaw JM, Thrippleton MJ. Sources of systematic error in DCE-MRI estimation of low-level blood-brain barrier leakage. Magn Reson Med 2021; 86:1888-1903. [PMID: 34002894 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.28833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) -MRI with Patlak model analysis is increasingly used to quantify low-level blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage in studies of pathophysiology. We aimed to investigate systematic errors due to physiological, experimental, and modeling factors influencing quantification of the permeability-surface area product PS and blood plasma volume vp , and to propose modifications to reduce the errors so that subtle differences in BBB permeability can be accurately measured. METHODS Simulations were performed to predict the effects of potential sources of systematic error on conventional PS and vp quantification: restricted BBB water exchange, reduced cerebral blood flow, arterial input function (AIF) delay and B 1 + error. The impact of targeted modifications to the acquisition and processing were evaluated, including: assumption of fast versus no BBB water exchange, bolus versus slow injection of contrast agent, exclusion of early data from model fitting and B 1 + correction. The optimal protocol was applied in a cohort of recent mild ischaemic stroke patients. RESULTS Simulation results demonstrated substantial systematic errors due to the factors investigated (absolute PS error ≤ 4.48 × 10-4 min-1 ). However, these were reduced (≤0.56 × 10-4 min-1 ) by applying modifications to the acquisition and processing pipeline. Processing modifications also had substantial effects on in-vivo normal-appearing white matter PS estimation (absolute change ≤ 0.45 × 10-4 min-1 ). CONCLUSION Measuring subtle BBB leakage with DCE-MRI presents unique challenges and is affected by several confounds that should be considered when acquiring or interpreting such data. The evaluated modifications should improve accuracy in studies of neurodegenerative diseases involving subtle BBB breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Manning
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Stringer
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Dickie
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Una Clancy
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Maria C Valdés Hernandez
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stewart J Wiseman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Jaime Garcia
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Sakka
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Walter H Backes
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, School for Mental Health & Neuroscience and School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Michael Ingrisch
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesca Chappell
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fergus Doubal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Laura M Parkes
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Geoff J M Parker
- Centre for Medical Image Computing and Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Marshall
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna M Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Thrippleton
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Lin Z, Jiang D, Liu D, Li Y, Uh J, Hou X, Pillai JJ, Qin Q, Ge Y, Lu H. Noncontrast assessment of blood-brain barrier permeability to water: Shorter acquisition, test-retest reproducibility, and comparison with contrast-based method. Magn Reson Med 2021; 86:143-156. [PMID: 33559214 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.28687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assessment of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability without the need for contrast agent is desirable, and the ability to measure the permeability to small molecules such as water may further increase the sensitivity in detecting diseases. This study proposed a time-efficient, noncontrast method to measure BBB permeability to water, evaluated its test-retest reproducibility, and compared it with a contrast agent-based method. METHODS A single-delay water extraction with phase-contrast arterial spin tagging (WEPCAST) method was devised in which spatial profile of the signal along the superior sagittal sinus was used to estimate bolus arrival time, and the WEPCAST signal at the corresponding location was used to compute water extraction fraction, which was combined with global cerebral blood flow to estimate BBB permeability surface area product to water. The reliability of WEPCAST sequence was examined in terms of intrasession, intersession, and inter-vendor (Philips [Ingenia, Best, the Netherlands] and Siemens [Prisma, Erlangen, Germany]) reproducibility. Finally, we compared this new technique to a contrast agent-based method. RESULTS Single-delay WEPCAST reduced the scan duration from approximately 20 min to 5 min. Extract fraction values estimated from single-delay WEPCAST showed good consistency with the multi-delay method (R = 0.82, P = .004). Group-averaged permeability surface area product values were found to be 137.5 ± 9.3 mL/100 g/min. Intrasession, intersession, and inter-vendor coefficient of variation of the permeability surface area product values were 6.6 ± 4.5%, 6.9 ± 3.7%, and 8.9 ± 3.0%, respectively. Finally, permeability surface area product obtained from WEPCAST MRI showed a significant correlation with that from the contrast-based method (R = .73, P = .02). CONCLUSION Single-delay WEPCAST MRI can measure BBB permeability to water within 5 min with an intrasession, intersession, and inter-vendor test-retest reproducibility of 6% to 9%. This method may provide a useful marker of BBB breakdown in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dengrong Jiang
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dapeng Liu
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yang Li
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jinsoo Uh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Xirui Hou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jay J Pillai
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Qin Qin
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yulin Ge
- Department of Radiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hanzhang Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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42
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Shao X, Jann K, Ma SJ, Yan L, Montagne A, Ringman JM, Zlokovic BV, Wang DJJ. Comparison Between Blood-Brain Barrier Water Exchange Rate and Permeability to Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agent in an Elderly Cohort. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:571480. [PMID: 33328848 PMCID: PMC7733970 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.571480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI using intravenous injection of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) is commonly used for imaging blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Water is an alternative endogenous tracer with limited exchange rate across the BBB. A direct comparison between BBB water exchange rate and BBB permeability to GBCA is missing. The purpose of this study was to directly compare BBB permeability to GBCA (Ktrans and kGad = Ktrans/Vp) and water exchange rate (kw) in a cohort of elderly subjects at risk of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Methods: Ktrans/kGad and kw were measured by DCE-MRI and diffusion prepared pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (DP-pCASL), respectively, at 3 Tesla in 16 elderly subjects (3 male, age = 67.9 ± 3.0 yrs) at risk of cSVD. The test-retest reproducibility of kw measurements was evaluated with repeated scans ~6 weeks apart. Mixed effects linear regression was performed in the whole brain, gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and 6 subcortical brain regions to investigate associations between Ktrans/kGad and test-retest kw. In addition, kw and Ktrans/kGad were compared in normal appearing white matter (NAWM), white matter hyperintensity (WMH) lesions and penumbra. Results: Significant correlation was found between kw and Ktrans only in WM (β = 6.7 × 104, P = 0.036), caudate (β = 8.6 × 104, P = 0.029), and middle cerebral artery (MCA) perforator territory (β = 6.9 × 104, P = 0.009), but not in the whole brain, GM or rest 5 brain regions. Significant correlation was found between kw and kGad in MCA perforator territory (β = 1.5 × 103, P = 0.049), medial-temporal lobe (β = 3.5 × 103, P = 0.032), and hippocampus (β = 3.4 × 103, P = 0.038), but not in the rest brain regions. Good reproducibility of kw measurements (ICC=0.75) was achieved. Ktrans was significantly lower inside WMH than WMH penumbra (16.2%, P = 0.026), and kGad was significantly lower in NAWM than in the WMH penumbra (20.8%, P < 0.001). Conclusion: kw provides a measure of water exchange rate across the BBB with good test-retest reproducibility. The BBB mechanism underlying kw and Ktrans/kGad is likely to be different, as manifested by correlations in only three brain regions for each pair of comparison between kw and Ktrans or kGad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfeng Shao
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), USC Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kay Jann
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), USC Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Samantha J. Ma
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), USC Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lirong Yan
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), USC Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Axel Montagne
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - John M. Ringman
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Berislav V. Zlokovic
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Danny J. J. Wang
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), USC Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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43
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Schidlowski M, Boland M, Rüber T, Stöcker T. Blood-brain barrier permeability measurement by biexponentially modeling whole-brain arterial spin labeling data with multiple T 2 -weightings. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2020; 33:e4374. [PMID: 32715563 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability assessment remains of ongoing interest in clinical practice and research. Transitions between intravascular (IV) and extravascular (EV) gray matter (GM) compartments may provide information regarding the microstructural status of the BBB. Due to different transverse relaxation times (T2 ) of water protons in vessels and GM, it is possible to determine the compartment in which these protons are located. This work presents and investigates the feasibility of a simplified analytical approach for compartmentalizing the proportions of magnetically marked water protons into IV and EV GM components by biexponentially modeling T2 -weighted arterial spin labeling (ASL) data. Numerous model assumptions were used to stabilize the fit and achieve in vivo applicability. Particularly, transverse relaxation times of IV and EV water protons were determined from the analysis of two supporting T2 -weighted ASL measurements, utilizing a monoexponential signal model. This stabilized a two-parameter biexponential fit of ASL data with T2 preparation (PLD = 0.9/1.2/1.5/1.8 s, TET2Prep = 0/30/40/60/80/120/160 ms), which thereby robustly provided estimates of the IV and EV compartment fractions. Experiments were conducted with three healthy volunteers in a 3 T scanner. Averaged over all subjects, the labeled water protons inherit T2,IV = 200 ± 18 ms initially and adapt T2,EV = 91 ± 2 ms with a longer retention time in cerebral structures. Accordingly, the EVlocated ASL signal fraction rises with increasing PLD from 0.31 ± 0.11 at the shortest PLD of 0.9 s to 0.73 ± 0.02 at the longest PLD of 1.8s. These results indicate a transition of the water protons from IV to EV space. The findings support the potential of biexponential modeling for compartmentalizing ASL spin fractions between IV and EV space. The novel integration of monoexponential parameter estimates stabilizes the two-compartment model fit, suggesting that this technique is suitable for robustly estimating the BBB permeability in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schidlowski
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Boland
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Theodor Rüber
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Tony Stöcker
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department for Physics and Astronomy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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44
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Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the interface between the blood and brain tissue, which regulates the maintenance of homeostasis within the brain. Impaired BBB integrity is increasingly associated with various neurological diseases. To gain a better understanding of the underlying processes involved in BBB breakdown, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are highly suitable for noninvasive BBB assessment. Commonly used MRI techniques to assess BBB integrity are dynamic contrast-enhanced and dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI, both relying on leakage of gadolinium-based contrast agents. A number of conceptually different methods exist that target other aspects of the BBB. These alternative techniques make use of endogenous markers, such as water and glucose, as contrast media. A comprehensive overview of currently available MRI techniques to assess the BBB condition is provided from a scientific point of view, including potential applications in disease. Improvements that are required to make these techniques clinically more easily applicable will also be discussed.
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