Multimodal MRI in evaluating white matter hyperintensity penumbras in patients with subcortical vascular cognitive impairment / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the value of different MR techniques in evaluating white matter hyperintensity (WMH) penumbra (WMH-P) in patients with subcortical vascular cognitive impairment (SVCI). Methods: A total of 29 SVCI patients underwent diffusion weight imaging (DTI), 3D-arterial spin labeling (3D-ASL) and chemical exchange saturation transfer amide proton transfer (CEST APT) scans as well as neuropsychological evaluation. WMH-P was defined in the range of 1 cm around WMH. Imaging parameters of WMH, WMH-P and normal appearing white matter (NAWM) outside WMH-P were measured and analyzed with cognitive scores. Results: There were significant differences of FA and mean diffusivity MD values among WMH, WMH-P and NAWM outside WMH-P (all P<0.05), also of cerebral blood flow (CBF) between WMH-P and NAWM outside WMH-P, as well as between WMH and NAWM outside WMH-P (all P<0.05). FA value in WMH-P and NAWM outside WMH-P was positively correlated with Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scores (all P<0.05). Conclusion: 3D-ASL and DTI techniques can be used to reflect the extent and progression of white matter lesions in patients with SVCI. FA value of WMH-P can well evaluate the cognitive function of SVCI patients.