Diffusion Imaging Reveals Sex Differences in the White Matter Following Sports-Related Concussion.

摘要: Sports-related concussion (SRC) is a serious health concern. However, the temporal profile of neuropathophysiological changes after SRC and how these relate to biological sex are still poorly understood. This preliminary study investigated whether diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) was sensitive following SRC; were sex-specific; they persisted beyond resolution self-reported symptoms. Recently concussed athletes (n = 14), age- education-matched nonconcussed control 16), underwent MRI 24-48-h postinjury again at 2-week (i.e., when cleared return-to-play). Male reported more symptoms greater symptom severity compared with females. dMRI revealed white matter differences between their counterparts 48-h postinjury. These present postinjury, despite being return play may indicate increased cerebral vulnerability subjective Furthermore, we identified sex-specific differences, male having significantly disruption female athletes. results have important implications for management concussion, including guiding return-to-play decisions, further improve our understanding regarding role in outcomes.