MRI-based brain atrophy and lesion index assessment of whole-brain structural changes during aging

Abstract

Objective To assess the value of brain atrophy and lesion index(BALI), based on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), in the evaluation of brain aging. Methods 169 healthy older adults were divided into five age groups (40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 years). MRI scans were evaluated by the 3.0T GE signa and the BALI rating schemes, based on the T1 weighted(T1WI), T2 weighted(T2WI), and T2 weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery(T2-FLAIR), and T2*weighted gradient-recalled echo(T2*GRE)images were recorded. Results Based on T1WI, T2WI, T2-FLAIR and T2*GRE, total scores of BALI increased with age, and showed significant differences between the five age groups(F=35.35, 42.87, 46.57, and 54.15, respectively; all P=0.000). In addition, BALI scores from each sequence were correlated with age(T1WI: r=0.71; T2WI: r=0.73; T2-FLAIR: r=0.73; T2*GRE: r=0.77; all P<0.01). Furthermore, T2*GRE was most sensitive to microbleeds and T2-FLAIR revealed a greater level of deep white matter(χ2=53.47, P=0.000)and periventricular lesions(χ2=29.93, P=0.000)than other sequences. Conclusions The T1WI, T2WI, T2-FLAIR and T2*GRE, BALI scores can be used to assess whole brain structural changes with aging and provide semi-quantitative indicators for the assessment of brain health. Key words: Magnetic resonance imaging; Brain injuries