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New MRI technique leads to more insight into the underlying cause
Leakage in the blood brain barrier is a signal that damage will also occur in the brain tissue in the long term. The stronger the leak, the greater the damage will be. Scientists at Maastricht UMC + have concluded this with the help of a new MRI technique that has been used in patients with a disease of the small brain vessels. The research has provided new insights into the underlying cause of such a condition. In addition, the findings provide new leads for treatment and prevention. The research results have been published in the scientific journal Neurology.
Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD) is a collective term for disorders that occur due to problems with the small blood vessels in the brain. This can lead to a stroke or memory problems. High blood pressure and age are known to be the main risk factors for this disease, but the underlying cause is unclear. With the new research, the Maastricht scientists now show that a leaking blood-brain barrier plays an important role in any case. The barrier normally ensures that harmful substances do not end up in the brain tissue from the blood.
Relationship
The study enrolled a total of 43 patients with CSVD. In these patients, a special MRI technique was used at the start of the study that uses contrast fluid to determine the degree of leakage through the blood-brain barrier. The damage to the brain tissue was also mapped using a different MRI technique. Two years later, that tissue damage was looked at again. Conclusion: the stronger the leakage at the beginning, the greater the brain damage two years later in vulnerable regions in the brain tissue. “Our research shows, for the first time, a clear link between the two,” says Sau May Wong, clinical physicist (senior) and one of the lead researchers. “Our results offer a variety of perspectives for patients with CSVD, both for future treatment and prevention.”
Perspective
A leaking blood-brain barrier can have a lot of added value as an early predictor of tissue damage, according to fellow principal investigator and neurologist (Io) Daniëlle Kerkhofs: “We can visualize that leakage even before major damage in the brain tissue can be seen. In addition, we can now also look at treatment options that specifically combat the problem of leakage and better monitor the effectiveness of these treatments. ” The researchers do indicate that it is valuable to continue the investigation over an even longer period in order to be able to say more about the precise consequences of the spill.
The research is a collaboration between the Neurology and Imaging departments of Maastricht UMC + and made possible financially by a grant from the European Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program, NWO, Stichting de Weijerhorst and the Brain Foundation.
Source: MUMC +
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