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11 pages, 1600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease Using Hybrid Meta-ROI of MRI Structural Images

by Xiaoming Zheng and on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative

Diagnostics 2024, 14(19), 2203; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14192203 - 2 Oct 2024

Viewed by 794

Abstract

Background: The averaged cortical thickness of meta-ROI is currently being used for the diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using structural MRI brain images. The purpose of this work is to present a hybrid meta-ROI for the detection of AD. Methods: The [...] Read more.

Background: The averaged cortical thickness of meta-ROI is currently being used for the diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using structural MRI brain images. The purpose of this work is to present a hybrid meta-ROI for the detection of AD. Methods: The AD detectability of selected cortical and volumetric regions of the brain was examined using signal detection theory. The top performing cortical and volumetric ROIs were taken as input nodes to the artificial neural network (ANN) for AD classification. Results: An AD diagnostic accuracy of 91.9% was achieved by using a hybrid meta-ROI consisting of thicknesses of entorhinal and middle temporal cortices, and the volumes of the hippocampus and inferior lateral ventricles. Pairing inferior lateral ventricle dilation with hippocampal volume reduction improves AD detectability by 5.1%. Conclusions: Hybrid meta-ROI, including the dilation of inferior lateral ventricles, outperformed both cortical thickness- and volumetric-based meta-ROIs in the detection of Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropathology, Neuroimaging and Biomarkers in Neurological Disease)

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12 pages, 951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aneurysmal Wall Enhancement of Non-Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms after Endovascular Treatment Correlates with Higher Aneurysm Reperfusion Rates, but Only in Large Aneurysms

by Valentin Ladenhauf, Malik Galijasevic, Milovan Regodic, Raimund Helbok, Verena Rass, Christian Freyschlag, Ondra Petr, Johannes Deeg, Leonhard Gruber, Stephanie Mangesius, Elke Ruth Gizewski and Astrid Ellen Grams

Diagnostics 2024, 14(14), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14141533 - 16 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 668

Abstract

Introduction: Aneurysmal wall enhancement (AWE) of non-ruptured sacular intracranial aneurysms (IA) after endovascular treatment (ET) is a frequently observed imaging finding using AWE-sequences in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). So far, its value remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of AWE [...] Read more.

Introduction: Aneurysmal wall enhancement (AWE) of non-ruptured sacular intracranial aneurysms (IA) after endovascular treatment (ET) is a frequently observed imaging finding using AWE-sequences in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). So far, its value remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of AWE on aneurysm reperfusion rates in a longitudinal cohort. Methods: This is a retrospective MRI study over the timespan of up to 5 years, assessing the correlation of increased AWE of non-ruptured IAs and events of aneurysm reperfusion and retreatment, PHASES Score and grade of AWE. T1 SPACE fat saturation (FS) and T1 SE FS blood suppression sequences after contrast administration were used for visual interpretation of increased AWE. The IAs’ sizes were assessed via the biggest diameter. The grade of enhancement was defined in a grading system from grade 1 to grade 3. Results: 127 consecutive non ruptured IA-patients (58.9 ± 9.0 years, 94 female, 33 male) who underwent elective aneurysm occlusion were included. AWE was observed in 40.2% of patients (51/127) after ET, 6 patients already showed AWE before treatment. In large IAs (which were defined as a single maximum diameter of over 7.5 mm), AWE was significantly associated with aneurysm reperfusion in contrast to large aneurysm without AWE). All grades of AWE were significantly associated with reperfusion. Conclusions: Our data suggests that in patients with initially large IAs, AWE is correlated with aneurysm reperfusion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropathology, Neuroimaging and Biomarkers in Neurological Disease)

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13 pages, 1917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Whole Brain and Corpus Callosum Fractional Anisotropy Differences in Patients with Cognitive Impairment

by Kalvis Kaļva, Nauris Zdanovskis, Kristīne Šneidere, Andrejs Kostiks, Guntis Karelis, Ardis Platkājis and Ainārs Stepens

Diagnostics 2023, 13(24), 3679; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13243679 - 16 Dec 2023

Viewed by 2527

Abstract

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MRI analysis method that could help assess cognitive impairment (CI) in the ageing population more accurately. In this research, we evaluated fractional anisotropy (FA) of whole brain (WB) and corpus callosum (CC) in patients with normal cognition [...] Read more.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MRI analysis method that could help assess cognitive impairment (CI) in the ageing population more accurately. In this research, we evaluated fractional anisotropy (FA) of whole brain (WB) and corpus callosum (CC) in patients with normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and moderate/severe cognitive impairment (SCI). In total, 41 participants were included in a cross-sectional study and divided into groups based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores (NC group, nine participants, MCI group, sixteen participants, and SCI group, sixteen participants). All participants underwent an MRI examination that included a DTI sequence. FA values between the groups were assessed by analysing FA value and age normative percentile. We did not find statistically significant differences between the groups when analysing CC FA values. Both approaches showed statistically significant differences in WB FA values between the MCI-SCI and MCI-NC groups, where the MCI group participants showed the highest mean FA and highest mean FA normative percentile results in WB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropathology, Neuroimaging and Biomarkers in Neurological Disease)

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13 pages, 696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comparison of the Selected Parameters of Brain Injury and Interleukins in the CSF in Patients Diagnosed De Novo with RRMS Compared to the Control Group

by Bożena Adamczyk, Natalia Morawiec, Gabriela Mamak, Sylwia Boczek, Dominika Brzęk, Natalia Trędota, Patryk Walocha, Zenon P. Czuba, Michał Błachut, Wojciech Bartman and Monika Adamczyk-Sowa

Diagnostics 2023, 13(22), 3436; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13223436 - 13 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1178

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Due to the different phenotypes of the disease and non-specific symptoms of MS, there is a great need for a validated panel of biomarkers to facilitate the diagnosis, [...] Read more.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Due to the different phenotypes of the disease and non-specific symptoms of MS, there is a great need for a validated panel of biomarkers to facilitate the diagnosis, predict disease progression, and evaluate treatment outcomes. Methods: We determined the levels of the parameters of brain injury (NF-H, GPAF, S100B, and UCHL1) and the selected cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 101 patients diagnosed de novo with RRMS and 75 healthy controls. All determinations were made using the Bio-Plex method. Results: We found higher levels of NF-H and GFAP in the relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) group compared to the controls. The concentrations of both molecules were significantly increased in patients with Gd+ lesions on brain MRI. The level of S100B did not differ significantly between the groups. UCHL1 concentrations were higher in the control group. We found some correlations between the selected cytokines, the levels of the parameters of brain injury, and the time from the first symptoms to the diagnosis of MS. Conclusions: The role of the above molecules in MS is promising. However, further research is warranted to define their precise functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropathology, Neuroimaging and Biomarkers in Neurological Disease)

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16 pages, 3460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Radiomic Signatures in Brain MRI Sequences T1 and T2 That Differentiate Tumor Regions of Midline Gliomas with H3.3K27M Mutation

by Maria-Fatima Chilaca-Rosas, Manuel-Tadeo Contreras-Aguilar, Melissa Garcia-Lezama, David-Rafael Salazar-Calderon, Raul-Gabriel Vargas-Del-Angel, Sergio Moreno-Jimenez, Patricia Piña-Sanchez, Raul-Rogelio Trejo-Rosales, Felipe-Alfredo Delgado-Martinez and Ernesto Roldan-Valadez

Diagnostics 2023, 13(16), 2669; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13162669 - 14 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1871

Abstract

Background: Radiomics refers to the acquisition of traces of quantitative features that are usually non-perceptible to human vision and are obtained from different imaging techniques and subsequently transformed into high-dimensional data. Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) represent approximately 20% of pediatric CNS tumors, with [...] Read more.

Background: Radiomics refers to the acquisition of traces of quantitative features that are usually non-perceptible to human vision and are obtained from different imaging techniques and subsequently transformed into high-dimensional data. Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) represent approximately 20% of pediatric CNS tumors, with a median survival of less than one year after diagnosis. We aimed to identify which radiomics can discriminate DMG tumor regions (viable tumor and peritumoral edema) from equivalent midline normal tissue (EMNT) in patients with the positive H3.F3K27M mutation, which is associated with a worse prognosis. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective study. From a database of 126 DMG patients (children, adolescents, and young adults), only 12 had H3.3K27M mutation and available brain magnetic resonance DICOM file. The MRI T1 post-gadolinium and T2 sequences were uploaded to LIFEx software to post-process and extract radiomic features. Statistical analysis included normal distribution tests and the Mann–Whitney U test performed using IBM SPSS^® (Version 27.0.0.1, International Business Machines Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), considering a significant statistical p-value ≤ 0.05. Results: EMNT vs. Tumor: From the T1 sequence 10 radiomics were identified, and 14 radiomics from the T2 sequence, but only one radiomic identified viable tumors in both sequences (p < 0.05) (DISCRETIZED_Q1). Peritumoral edema vs. EMNT: From the T1 sequence, five radiomics were identified, and four radiomics from the T2 sequence. However, four radiomics could discriminate peritumoral edema in both sequences (p < 0.05) (CONVENTIONAL_Kurtosis, CONVENTIONAL_ExcessKurtosis, DISCRETIZED_Kurtosis, and DISCRETIZED_ExcessKurtosis). There were no radiomics useful for distinguishing tumor tissue from peritumoral edema in both sequences. Conclusions: Less than 5% of the radiomic characteristics identified tumor regions of medical–clinical interest in T1 and T2 sequences of conventional magnetic resonance imaging. The first-order and second-order radiomic features suggest support to investigators and clinicians for careful evaluation for diagnosis, patient classification, and multimodality cancer treatment planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropathology, Neuroimaging and Biomarkers in Neurological Disease)

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14 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parameters of Auditory Evoked Related Potentials P300 in Disorders of Different Cognitive Function Domains (Visuospatial/Executive and Memory) in Elderly Hypertensive Persons

by Liliya Poskotinova, Nina Khasanova, Anna Kharak, Olga Krivonogova and Elena Krivonogova

Diagnostics 2023, 13(9), 1598; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13091598 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1901

Abstract

The neurophysiological correlates of certain types of cognitive impairment in relation to the spatial pattern of auditory cognitive evoked-related potentials (ERPs) in hypertensive persons remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the parameters of ERPs (N200, P300) in impaired different [...] Read more.

The neurophysiological correlates of certain types of cognitive impairment in relation to the spatial pattern of auditory cognitive evoked-related potentials (ERPs) in hypertensive persons remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the parameters of ERPs (N200, P300) in impaired different domains (visuospatial/executive and memory) of cognitive function in arterial hypertension, including cardiovascular ischemic events. A total of 46 patients (65–84 years) were observed. The clinical diagnosis of vascular dementia, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA test) and the spatial pattern of ERPs (N200, P300) were the parameters used to identify three groups: the Control Group without cognitive impairment (n = 13), the group with a leading memory disturbance (Memory Group, n = 20) and the group with a leading visuospatial/executive disturbance (VS/E Group, n = 13). In persons belonging to the Memory Group, N2 latency was prolonged in the central (C3 C4) and right parietal (P4) brain parts; latency of the motor component (P300) may remain similar to that of the ControlGroup. In persons belonging to theVS/E Group, maximal prolonged recognition time (N2), especially in the left central (C3), frontal-midline (Fz), right parietal (P3) and temporal (P4) brain parts, was observed; P300 latency in the central-midline (Cz) and left anterior-temporal (F7) brain parts among all the groups was revealed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropathology, Neuroimaging and Biomarkers in Neurological Disease)

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Review

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23 pages, 1675 KiB

Open AccessReview

Neuropathology, Neuroimaging, and Fluid Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease

by Helena Colvee-Martin, Juan Rayo Parra, Gabriel Antonio Gonzalez, Warren Barker and Ranjan Duara

Diagnostics 2024, 14(7), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14070704 - 27 Mar 2024

Viewed by 3589

Abstract

An improved understanding of the pathobiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) should lead ultimately to an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of AD, providing the opportunity to intervene earlier in the disease process and to improve outcomes. The known hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease include [...] Read more.

An improved understanding of the pathobiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) should lead ultimately to an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of AD, providing the opportunity to intervene earlier in the disease process and to improve outcomes. The known hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease include amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles. It is now clear that an imbalance between production and clearance of the amyloid beta protein and related Aβ peptides, especially Aβ42, is a very early, initiating factor in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, leading to aggregates of hyperphosphorylation and misfolded tau protein, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. In this article, we review how the AD diagnostic process has been transformed in recent decades by our ability to measure these various elements of the pathological cascade through the use of imaging and fluid biomarkers. The more recently developed plasma biomarkers, especially phosphorylated-tau217 (p-tau217), have utility for screening and diagnosis of the earliest stages of AD. These biomarkers can also be used to measure target engagement by disease-modifying therapies and the response to treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropathology, Neuroimaging and Biomarkers in Neurological Disease)

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12 pages, 614 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review on the Role of Salivary Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Concussion Syndrome

by Ioannis Mavroudis, Foivos Petridis, Ioana-Miruna Balmus, Alin Ciobica, Dragos Lucian Gorgan and Alina Costina Luca

Diagnostics 2023, 13(8), 1367; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13081367 - 7 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3323

Abstract

(1) Background: While mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major public health issue, post-concussion syndrome (PCS) remains a controversial entity. In both cases, the clinical diagnosis is mainly based on the symptoms and brain imaging evaluation. The current molecular biomarkers were described [...] Read more.

(1) Background: While mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major public health issue, post-concussion syndrome (PCS) remains a controversial entity. In both cases, the clinical diagnosis is mainly based on the symptoms and brain imaging evaluation. The current molecular biomarkers were described from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), yet both fluid collection methods are invasive. Saliva could be preferred in molecular diagnosis due to its non-invasive and non-expensive methods of acquisition, transport, and samples processing. (2) Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to review the latest developments in salivary biomarkers and their potential role in diagnosing mild TBIs, and PCS. (3) Results: In TBIs and PCS, a few novel studies focusing on salivary biomarkers have emphasized their importance in diagnosis. The previous studies mainly focused on micro RNAs, and only a few on extracellular vesicles, neurofilament light chain, and S100B. (4) Conclusions: The combination between salivary biomarkers, clinical history and examination, self-reported symptoms, and cognitive/balance testing can provide a non-invasive alternative diagnostic methodology, as compared to the currently approved plasma and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropathology, Neuroimaging and Biomarkers in Neurological Disease)

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