RSNA 2011 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2011


SST11-03

Arterial Calcification in Relation to Cognition and Structural Brain Changes

Scientific Formal (Paper) Presentations

Presented on December 2, 2011
Presented as part of SST11: ISP: Neuroradiology (Cognition II)

Participants

Daniel Bos MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose
Meike Willemijn Vernooij MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Gabriel P. Krestin MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, General Electric Company Research grant, General Electric Company Research grant, Bayer AG Research grant, Siemens AG
Wiro Niessen PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Aad Van Der Lugt MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Mohammad Arfan Ikram, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

PURPOSE

Atherosclerosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline and dementia. Calcified plaque measured with CT is a relatively novel marker of atherosclerosis. This study investigates associations between CT-measured arterial calcifications measured at four locations, with (1) cognition and (2) macro- and microstructural brain changes.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

From the general population, 2437 non-demented persons (mean age 69.6 years) underwent CT of the coronary arteries, aortic arch, extracranial and intracranial carotid arteries to quantify calcification volume. Cognitive function was assessed with a neuropschycological test battery comprising the following domains: memory, executive function, information processing speed and motor speed. In a random subgroup of 844 participants brain MRI was performed to obtain measures of brain atrophy and microstructural integrity. Automated quantification of brain MRI scans yielded total brain volume, grey matter volume, white matter volume and hippocampal volume. Furthermore, microstructural integrity of white matter was quantified using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Associations between arterial calcification and cognition, brain tissue volumes and DTI-measures were assessed with linear regression, adjusted for relevant confounders.

RESULTS

Larger calcification load was associated with worse cognitive scores in all domains. Calcification in all vessel beds was also associated with smaller total brain volume. Specifically, coronary and aortic arch calcification were associated with smaller grey matter volume, whilst both extra- and intracranial carotid artery calcification was associated with smaller white matter volume. Calcification in all vessel beds was associated with worse microstructural integrity of white matter.

CONCLUSION

Arterial calcification load is associated with worse cognitive performance. Moreover, larger calcification load is associated with smaller brain tissue volumes and with worse white matter microstructural quality, elucidating possible mechanisms through which atherosclerosis leads to poorer cognition.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION

CT-assessed calcification is a novel marker of cognitive decline and possibly dementia.

Cite This Abstract

Bos, D, Vernooij, M, Krestin, G, Niessen, W, Van Der Lugt, A, Ikram, M, Arterial Calcification in Relation to Cognition and Structural Brain Changes.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11005523.html