Magnetic resonance apparent diffusion coefficient values of the brain in COPD

Abstract

ObjectiveChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction. As the disease progresses, it affects several organs and systems. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the brain in defining deep white matter integrity in COPD patients, and correlate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values to COPD stage, pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gases. MethodsA cross-sectional case-control study included 20 COPD male patients (smokers), aged 51–78years and 18 healthy male volunteers, non-smokers with matched age (45–71years), represented the control group. All the subjects were neurologically free (on examination) with no known history of cerebrovascular disease, renal impairment, chronic hepatic disease or any other disease which may have a cerebral effect. Spirometry, arterial blood gases and COPD staging were done for COPD patients. DWI was done for both groups. ResultsBoth groups were age matched (P 0.231). All apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were higher in COPD patients than the healthy (control) group. ADC values taken from the frontal, temporal and parietal deep white matter of COPD patients had statistically significant difference compared to those of the control group (P values=0.016 & 0.013 and 0.002 respectively). No significant correlation between ADC values measured from all lobes and arterial blood gases, FEV1 or COPD staging. ConclusionADC values are increased significantly in COPD patients than in normal populations denoting affected integrity of white matter, however this increase is not related to COPD severity, arterial hypoxemia, hypercapnia or other disease markers like FEV1.