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. 2017 Oct;30(5):490-495.
doi: 10.1177/1971400917714280. Epub 2017 Jun 23.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of choroid plexus aging

Banu Alicioglu  1 , Guliz Yilmaz  1 , Ozgur Tosun  2 , Nail Bulakbasi  1
Affiliations

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of choroid plexus aging

Banu Alicioglu et al. Neuroradiol J. 2017 Oct.

Abstract

Recent studies have pointed out dysfunction and histopathological changes of the choroid plexuses (CPs) with aging. This paper reviews apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the CPs for age-related changes. All the brain MR images of the patients between January 2013 and June 2014 in our Radiology Department were retrospectively investigated. Patients with major cranial abnormalities (brain tumors, hyperacute or acute ischemia, developmental anomalies, hemorrhage, hydrocephaly) were excluded. Diffusion-weighted images were obtained at the parameter values of b = 1000 s/mm2 in the axial plane. The transverse diameters of the lateral ventricles (LVs) and ADC values of both CPs were measured. Brain MRIs of 202 individuals, 97 men (48%), 105 women (52%), were studied. There were statistically significant positive correlations between the ADC values of CP and patient ages. (Right CP: r = 0.623; p < 0.05. Left CP: r = 0.654; p < 0.05). There were positive correlations between LV diameters and age ( r = 0.624, p < 0.05 for the right LV; r = 0.621, p < 0.05 for the left LV). The ADC values of age groups significantly differed ( p < 0.05); the ≥61-year-old group was significantly higher compared to younger individuals. There is a progressive increase of water diffusivity in the CPs during aging. ADC values should be considered as a neuroimaging quantitative biomarker in normal aging-dementia syndromes.

Keywords: Aging; brain; choroid plexus; diffusion magnetic resonance imaging.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Mean ADC values in the age groups in the right LV’s CPs. (* Difference from ≥61-year-old age group).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Mean ADC values in the age groups in the left LV’s CPs. (* Difference from ≥61-year-old age group). ADC: apparent diffusion coefficient; LV: lateral ventricle; CPs: choroid plexuses.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Regression analysis displaying the trends of age-related ADC values of CPs (right, left and overall) separately in women and in men. Vertical axis is ADC value of right, left and all CP. Horizontal axis is age. Regression equation is given on each graph. ADC: apparent diffusion coefficient; CPs: choroid plexuses.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Regression analysis displaying the trends of age-related ADC values of CPs (right, left and overall) separately in women and in men. Vertical axis is ADC value of right, left and all CP. Horizontal axis is age. Regression equation is given on each graph. ADC: apparent diffusion coefficient; CPs: choroid plexuses.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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