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01-04-2017 | Original Article

Evaluation of glymphatic system activity with the diffusion MR technique: diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) in Alzheimer’s disease cases

Authors: Toshiaki Taoka, Yoshitaka Masutani, Hisashi Kawai, Toshiki Nakane, Kiwamu Matsuoka, Fumihiko Yasuno, Toshifumi Kishimoto, Shinji Naganawa

Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology | Issue 4/2017

Abstract

Purpose

The activity of the glymphatic system is impaired in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We evaluated the activity of the human glymphatic system in cases of AD with a diffusion-based technique called diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS).

Materials and methods

Diffusion tensor images were acquired to calculate diffusivities in the x, y, and z axes of the plane of the lateral ventricle body in 31 patients. We evaluated the diffusivity along the perivascular spaces as well as projection fibers and association fibers separately, to acquire an index for diffusivity along the perivascular space (ALPS-index) and correlated them with the mini mental state examinations (MMSE) score.

Results

We found a significant negative correlation between diffusivity along the projection fibers and association fibers. We also observed a significant positive correlation between diffusivity along perivascular spaces shown as ALPS-index and the MMSE score, indicating lower water diffusivity along the perivascular space in relation to AD severity.

Conclusion

Activity of the glymphatic system may be evaluated with diffusion images. Lower diffusivity along the perivascular space on DTI-APLS seems to reflect impairment of the glymphatic system. This method may be useful for evaluating the activity of the glymphatic system.

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Title: Evaluation of glymphatic system activity with the diffusion MR technique: diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) in Alzheimer’s disease cases
Authors: Toshiaki Taoka
Yoshitaka Masutani
Hisashi Kawai
Toshiki Nakane
Kiwamu Matsuoka
Fumihiko Yasuno
Toshifumi Kishimoto
Shinji Naganawa
Publication date: 01-04-2017
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1867-1071
Electronic ISSN: 1867-108X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-017-0617-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Evaluation of glymphatic system activity with the diffusion MR technique: diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) in Alzheimer’s disease cases

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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