Meeting Banner
Abstract #3894

Multi-Shell Diffusion MRI Reveals Effects of Extracranial Carotid Artery Disease on Brain Microstructure

Haley E Wiskoski1,2, Juan Arias2, Loi Do1, Arun Pugazhendhi3, Raza Mushtaq4, Kevin Johnson3, Maria Altbach3, Theodore Trouard1, and Craig Weinkauf2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States, 2Department of Surgery, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States, 3Department of Medical Imaging, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States, 4Department of Neuroradiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States

Synopsis

Keywords: Microstructure, White Matter, Alzheimer's Disease, Aging, Carotid, Morphometry, Segmentation, DMN

Motivation: Extracranial carotid artery disease (ECAD) increases the risk of both stroke and dementia, indicating broader cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative effects.

Goal(s): This study investigates how ECAD impacts brain microstructure, aiming to identify early markers of neurodegeneration using diffusion MRI (DMRI) metrics.

Approach: Seventy-two adults with ECAD or cardiovascular risk were studied. DMRI and fixel-based analysis (FBA) were employed to assess changes in brain microstructure ipsilateral/contralateral to carotid stenosis.

Results: Significant reductions in FA were found in white matter ipsilateral to stenosis, with potential compensatory increases contralaterally. DMRI metrics thus show promise as noninvasive markers of ECAD-related neurodegeneration.

Impact: This study's findings provide a foundation for using diffusion MRI to identify early brain changes in patients with carotid artery disease, potentially enabling proactive interventions. Future research may explore targeted therapies to mitigate neurodegeneration linked to vascular disease.

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.

Click here for more information on becoming a member.

Keywords