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Neuroradiology

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01-11-2015 | Functional Neuroradiology

Iron deposition influences the measurement of water diffusion tensor in the human brain: a combined analysis of diffusion and iron-induced phase changes

Authors: Xiaojun Xu, Qidong Wang, Jianhui Zhong, Minming Zhang

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 11/2015

Abstract

Introduction

This study aims to evaluate the impact of iron deposition during aging on the measurement of water diffusion in the brain.

Methods

Diffusion tensor images (DTI) and phase images collected from a group of healthy adults from 23 to 72 years old were retrospectively analyzed. The axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) in the frontal white matter and deep gray matter nuclei were calculated. The phase changes in these regions were used to estimate local iron concentration. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the age dependence of DTI metrics and iron concentration. Multiple linear regression models were then built to examine the independent effect of age and iron deposition on DTI metrics.

Results

Age-related iron deposition occurred in the putamen (r = 0.680, P < 0.001) and frontal white matter (r = 0.333, P = 0.007). In the putamen, FA increased with elevated iron concentration (P = 0.042) excluding the effect of age, and MD decreased with iron deposition with marginal statistical significance (P = 0.067). In the frontal white matter, increase in iron level was also associated with a decrease in MD and an increase in FA. Moreover, radial diffusivity was more reduced than axial diffusivity as local iron concentration increased.

Conclusion

Iron deposition in the brain during aging decreases water diffusion and increases the degree of anisotropy. Caution is needed when using DTI metrics for diagnosis of various neurological diseases involving abnormal iron deposition.

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Title: Iron deposition influences the measurement of water diffusion tensor in the human brain: a combined analysis of diffusion and iron-induced phase changes
Authors: Xiaojun Xu
Qidong Wang
Jianhui Zhong
Minming Zhang
Publication date: 01-11-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 11/2015
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-015-1579-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Iron deposition influences the measurement of water diffusion tensor in the human brain: a combined analysis of diffusion and iron-induced phase changes

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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