Keywords: Neuroinflammation, Perfusion, ME/CFS, COVID19, Permeability, BBB
Motivation: It has been hypothesized that increases in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in patients with ME/CFS lead to many of the symptoms experienced by these patients. Assessing BBB permeability across PASC ME/CFS, classic non-PASC ME/CFS, and healthy individuals could validate this hypothesis and deepen our understanding of ME/CFS pathophysiology.
Goal(s): To non-invasively measure BBB permeability to water in the three groups.
Approach: We applied water-extraction-with-phase-contrast-arterial-spin-tagging (WEPCAST) MRI to measure BBB permeability.
Results: No significant differences in CBF or E were observed between the groups, PS was significantly higher in the classic non-PASC ME/CFS group compared to both the PASC ME/CFS and control groups.
Impact: In this pilot study, we found increased BBB permeability in the non-PASC ME/CFS group compared to the PASC ME/CFS and control groups, providing preliminary imaging evidence of neuroinflammation in ME/CFS. This finding can deepen our understanding of ME/CFS pathophysiology.
How to access this content:
For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.
After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.
After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.
Keywords