Hung-Chieh Chen MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Kun-Hsien Chou PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ching-Po Lin PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hsiu-Mei Wu MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Wan-Yuo Guo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cheng-Yen Chang MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jiing-Feng Lirng MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

00030490-DMT et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

There are only some reports on brain systematic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and single voxel MRS studies in high-altitude mountain climbers. The purpose of our work is to study the risk of brain lesions in high altitude mountain climbers by means of conventional MRI and voxel-based morphometry (VBM).

We recruited 13 professional climbers in our study. All of them underwent general medical examination, standard blood tests, and MRI of the brain. MRI also was carried out in an age- and gender-matched control group of 13 healthy subjects. Optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) was carried out in 13 professionals (mean age, 47.61 +/- 14.25 years) and 13 healthy controls (mean age, 47.32+/- 14.22 years). As outcome measures, we evaluated the total brain volume, volume of GM, WM and fractional anisotropy (FA) in comparison with controls. Data were analyzed using the two sample T test for VBM.

No significant difference between normal controls and mountain climbers regarding total brain volume (p=0.865), total GM volume (p=0.361) and total WM volume (p=0.855). In precentral gyrus (motor area) and precentral gyrus WM, the GM/WM volume and concentration increase in mountain climbers than normal controls. The FA of professionals is lower in cerebellar tonsil white matter than normal controls; but higher in left posterior limb of internal capsule, optic radiation and superior longitudinal fasciculus.

We conclude that there is enough evidence of brain damage such as cerebellar tonsils after frequent high altitude climbing, however, increased integrity of the neural tract such as internal capsule and optic radiation and increased volume of gray matter in the motor area are noted, which may be due to the professional high-altitude climbing training of these climbers.

Some brain damage in cerebellar tonsils happened in high-altitude climbers with increased integrity of the neural tract and larger gray matter volume in motor area according to the MR images.

Chen, H, Chou, K, Lin, C, Wu, H, Guo, W, Chang, C, Lirng, J, et al, 0, Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluating High-Altitude Climbers.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8005297.html