Magnetization transfer ratio in Alzheimer disease: comparison with volumetric measurements.

摘要: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Alzheimer disease (AD) is accompanied by macroscopic atrophy on volumetric MR imaging. A few studies have also demonstrated reduction in magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), suggesting microstructural changes remaining brain tissue. This study assessed the value of measuring MTR addition to differentiating patients with AD from control subjects. MATERIALS METHODS: Volumetric T1-weighted images and 3D maps were obtained 18 age-matched Whole-brain (WB) total hippocampal (Hc) volumes measured using semiautomated techniques adjusted for intracranial volume. Mean was WB Hc region. Histogram analysis performed MTR. Among patients, associations between parameters Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) explored. RESULTS: Patients had significantly reduced volume (P<.0001) mean (P=.002) compared revealed significant 25th percentile point (P=.03). Both independently associated case-control status after adjusting other linear regression models. However, added no statistically discriminatory over above measurement alone. Of all imaging parameters, only correlated MMSE (r=0.47, P=.048). CONCLUSIONS: demonstrates independent AD. suggests that 2 reflect complementary aspects pathologic lesion at macrostructural levels.